Manitoba Government opening the first Extended Hours Primary Care Clinic at Grace Hospital
Winnipeg Regional Health Authority
Published Wednesday, September 18, 2024
Manitoba's first ever Extended Hours Primary Care Clinic will be opening at Access Winnipeg West at Grace Hospital on September 18th. The clinic will be open on evenings, weekends and holidays so that patients can access care when and where they need it, Premier Wab Kinew and Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara announced today.
"People don't get sick exclusively during business hours. We're helping you see a family doctor by opening new clinics that stay open late into the evening, during the weekends and on holidays," said Premier Kinew. "It's going to make life more convenient for parents, families and working people. Plus, by increasing primary care options in our communities we will improve overall health outcomes across our province."
The Clinic will offer family doctors and nurses who can treat patients for common ailments and support the ongoing management of chronic conditions. It will be open "after hours" from 5:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. during the week and from 1:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. on weekends and will offer special hours during the holidays. Patients can register for same-day appointments online at myrightcare.ca and some walk-in spots will be available every day.
"There's been a gap in care for hardworking Manitobans who can't book appointments during the workday," said Minister Asagwara. "Our government promised to make healthcare more accessible and convenient, and that is exactly what Extended Hours Primary Care Clinics will do. Folks won't have to take time off to get an appointment and their primary care practitioners will be well-informed of all the care you receive during extended hours."
"As a person who lives with Type 1 Diabetes and a parent of two kids, finding the time during the workday for primary care appointments is hard and that can delay care," said Winnipeg West resident Dylan MacKay. "We all lead busy lives and having an extended hours clinic nearby will benefit my family and my community."
Enhancements to primary care, including the recently announced Minor Injury and Illness Clinics, are ensuring that everyone can conveniently access care in their local community.
Extended Hours Primary Care Clinics are an excellent way to supplement the care patients receive from their regular providers, offering options when their primary physician is unavailable. "The relationship between a patient and their family physician remains vitally important," said family physician Dr. Amanda Condon. "Your family physician or healthcare provider knows you and your medical history, which is why it’s crucial that these clinics ensure a connection back to your primary care provider. This continuity of care is invaluable in providing safe and quality care.”
The clinic at Access Winnipeg West is the first extended hours clinic to open in Winnipeg.
Visit myrightcare.ca for more information.