WYNYARD WELCOMES PRIMARY HEALTH CARE TEAM

Released on July 21, 2003

Wynyard residents are benefiting from a new way of delivering front-line health care.

Wynyard Community Clinic has officially opened as a primary health care site, which will provide residents with easy access to a team of health professionals. A fourth physician has joined three already working with a newly-hired primary care nurse, to provide a full range of everyday health services. The team will include public health and home care professionals and community pharmacists, among others.

Health Minister John Nilson says the clinic is furthering the province's long-term plan to develop primary health care networks in all health regions, a major priority in the Action Plan for Saskatchewan Health Care, which was release in December 2001. The Action Plan called for improved access to quality health services in all parts of the province, and identified primary health care networks as an effective way to accomplish that.

"Wynyard Community Clinic is an excellent example of the team approach to health care, and the wise use of health care professionals," Nilson said. "It is gratifying to see that the entire community recognizes the value of this approach, and that it is pledging support for the future expansion of the clinic."

The Clinic is one of 21 primary health care sites in Saskatchewan, and the first community clinic to operate under this model. Services will focus on disease prevention, health promotion, early intervention, treatment, and follow-up care. The initiative will allow team members to use their full range of skills, and give patients access to the right health care professional at the right time.

"The official opening of Wynyard Community Clinic means we have a total of eight primary health care sites throughout our region," Chairperson of Saskatoon Regional Health Authority Bob Bundon said. "We are proud to be leaders in primary health care in Saskatchewan, providing the residents of Saskatoon Health Region with the benefits of an integrated team approach to health care."

"This is an excellent opportunity for us, as health professionals, to practice in a collaborative work environment and provide our patients with more co-ordinated care," Chief of Staff at Wynyard Community Clinic Dr. Crystal Litwin said. "We will be able to place more emphasis on wellness and prevention of disease and injuries, make very efficient use of our time, and likely gain greater job satisfaction."

"The Board is pleased to have provided our community with the services of these physicians and our new primary care nurse," Wynyard Community Clinic Board Chair Walter Peterson said. "We believe these efforts will help stabilize the supply of health professionals in Wynyard and the surrounding area well into the future."

The clinic is funded by Saskatchewan Health, through funding provided to the Saskatoon Regional Health Authority.

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For More Information, Contact:

Mark Rathwell Health Regina Phone: (306)787-4083