Saugeen Shores residents now have expanded access to primary healthcare with the official opening of the Victorian Order of Nurses’ (VON) new Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic in Port Elgin.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, February 27, marked the milestone, with Deputy Mayor Diane Huber and Davina Wong, Associate Vice President of Home and Community Care at VON, officially opening the clinic at its new location at 662 Gustavus Street.
"We know that primary care is essential to the improvement and sustainability of overall health in our communities," said Wong. "The creation of this clinic has been a partnership, built on the mandate to bring more primary care opportunities to this community. We have been pleased to partner with Ontario Health, the Town of Saugeen Shores, the Grey-Bruce Ontario Health Team, and the Primary Care Network."
The move from the clinic’s previous Southampton location was made possible through new funding from Ontario Health. This expansion has doubled the number of nurse practitioners from two to four and added a social worker, a registered nurse, and a medical secretary.
The clinic also shares its space with SoleScience, an independent pedorthist, as well as VON’s Assisted Living and SMART (Seniors Maintaining Active Roles Together) programs.
"The new downtown Port Elgin location is a welcome expansion of services in our community," said Deputy Mayor Huber. "Our Council recognizes the importance of accessible healthcare services, and we are committed to investing in initiatives that improve the well-being of our residents. The Town of Saugeen Shores is proud to have supported this initiative."
The clinic is focused on serving Saugeen Shores residents without a primary care provider. Through Health Care Connect, individuals in need can complete an intake process to become permanent clients of a nurse practitioner. Additionally, the clinic offers same-day urgent care services to further support those without a family doctor.