Huron Perth & Area Health Team Launches Unattached Care Clinics To Bridge the Gap in Primary Healthcare
by Bob Montgomery
The Huron Perth & Area Ontario Health Team has just announced the launch of Unattached Care Clinics.
In an important step to address the growing shortage of family doctors and nurse practitioners and working with local Family Health Teams specifically for residents without a primary care provider, the Unattached Care Clinics will provide much-needed access to acute, chronic, and preventive primary care services throughout the Huron Perth area.
Two and a half million Ontarians are currently without a family doctor and that number is expected to rise as more physicians retire. The Unattached Care Clinics offer a lifeline to those in Huron and Perth who do not have regular access to primary care. This new service is not a replacement for walk-in clinics, but a dedicated program created to help ensure everyone without a primary care provider can access timely care close to home. The clinics are strategically located in Stratford, Listowel, Wingham, Goderich, Zurich, and Exeter, reaching residents within a 40 km radius of each site.
The UCC provides comprehensive healthcare services for unattached patients, including:
Treatment for acute illnesses and management of chronic conditions
Mental health navigation and support
Preventive care, such as cancer screenings, vaccinations, and wellness advice
Appointments are required to ensure efficient care, shorter wait times, and to allow for appropriate preparation. Patients can easily book appointments by calling the clinic nearest to them.
The Huron Perth & Area Ontario Health Team notes as questions arise about this new initiative, it is important to clarify the UCC's distinct role. This is a brand-new service for unattached patients and is not a drop-in clinic. While it does provide many of the same accessible services, patients must schedule an appointment in advance. The clinics are not intended to replace traditional walk-in clinics and there were no similar drop-in services for unattached patients in Huron Perth & Area prior to the opening of these clinics. The UCC aims to meet the immediate healthcare needs of unattached individuals, providing crucial services while encouraging patients to register with Healthcare Connect to find a permanent family doctor.
The Unattached Care Clinics are funded by Ontario Health for an initial one-year period, with hopes that this essential program will be extended beyond the year to continue supporting unattached patients. By offering immediate care, the UCC serves as a crucial stopgap while the province works towards its long-term goal of ensuring universal access to primary care.
For more information on the Unattached Care Clinics and clinic locations please visit the UCC webpage.
