There was a good turnout for yesterday’s official opening of Shelburne’s new Primary Family Practice Clinic.
Although the health care team has been seeing patients for over a week, for many folks it was the first time they saw the inside of the facility.
Melanie Mooney, primary healthcare manager for the western Zone of the health authority spoke to CJLS (Acadia) News about the vision of the collaborative approach.
“We work together so that the people coming in to see the providers, see the right person at the right time for the right reasons. We have family practice nurses, nurse practitioners, and family physicians, and clerical support.”
Mooney says they want to hear from the community about programs and services that could be offered.
Dr. John Keeler says the clinic will do more than offer a collaborative approach to health care for patients but also help with ongoing recruitment of younger physicians.
“Who I think are trending toward this type of healthcare facility and the way that it provides healthcare and I think this is the best way to provide the space for them.”
He says the clinic’s health care team have gained experience from working at the adjacent Roseway hospital.
Bob Legere, chair of the Roseway Hospital Foundation says they’ve been involved in the clinic project for about 14 years.
“The foundation itself has provided about $300,000, Shelburne Municipality was about $450,000, and the Town of Shelburne was about $100,000. this was to help convince government that the community was serious.”
The doctors, nurse practitioners and others began seeing patients at the clinic about a week ago.
Meanwhile, municipal units in the area contributed to the clinic project.
Penny Smith, Warden for the Municipality of Shelburne says they were very pleased to have been funding partners.
“And we see how many people actually came out for the tour. It’s really heartwarming to see it and, you know I’m sure they’re going to receive excellent care.”
The Roseway Hospital Foundation also contributed $300,000.
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(Reported by Gary Nickerson)
