Released on December 18, 2014
A new clinic offers enhanced health services to residents in Moose Jaw area though an integrated team approach. The Crescent View Clinic manages acute, episodic illness in addition to providing a range of primary health services.Now with evening and weekend service, the clinic is a welcome alternative to emergency department visits when it’s hard to see a family doctor on short notice.
The primary health care centre has been gradually expanding services and stabilizing staffing levels since it opened in February 2014. Municipal and provincial government representatives joined health care providers and local residents to celebrate Crescent View Clinic’s grand opening.
“This interdisciplinary team is ready to deal with a wide range of health needs, making it easier for people to get timely, quality care,” Rural and Remote Health Minister Greg Ottenbreit said. “This is another innovative way our health system is putting patients first.”
Staff have been exploring the most effective ways to meet the needs of patients. Some clients do not have a regular family physician but the majority need same-day medical advice. Some clients are unable to get an appointment with their regular doctor, and some have sudden health issues that don’t warrant a trip to the hospital emergency department.
“The extended hours are providing access to care for people who would otherwise end up going to the ER, even though their condition wouldn’t warrant that type of care,” Five Hills Health Region Vice President of Community Health Services Terry Hutchinson said. “With the Christmas holidays ahead, having access to care outside of the ER in evenings, on weekends, and on statutory holiday days will be a benefit to those seeking care and also to the flow of the ER.”
Patients and family members were involved in designing how the clinic could best serve a diverse range of needs. In addition to same-day appointments, the clinic also offers mental health and addictions support, some public health classes and other community services.
For clinic patient Elaine McKeown, the clinic fills a gap in services.
“It’s a missing link between the hospital (ER) and doctors, especially when I can’t get in to see my own doctor or it’s on a weekend,” McKeown said.
The clinic serves the public through a team of nurse practitioners, clinic assistants and healthy living consultants. Weekday hours are noon to 7 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.
The clinic is part of a $13.2 million provincial government investment over three years to improve timely access to appropriate health services. In communities across Saskatchewan, primary health care teams are testing innovative models of service delivery, and helping health regions stabilize health services.
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For more information, contact:
Kyle Matthies
Five Hills Health Region
Moose Jaw
Phone: 306-694-8721
Email: kyle.matthies@fhhr.ca
Tyler McMurchy
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: tmcmurchy@health.gov.sk.ca