If you were a regular user of QuickCare Clinics, you’ll have to go to an Access Centre for the same health care beginning in 2018.
The Winnipeg Regional Health Authority is shifting services away from QCCs, as well as staff, resources and equipment, to the St. Boniface, Nor’west and Fort Garry Access locations. The only exception will be McGregor Avenue Quick Care location, which will remain operational.
“Access centres are equipped to provide a variety of complementary services that can improve health outcomes for patients and their families,” said Manitoba Health Minister Kelvin Goertzen.
“Consolidating primary care at existing sites will ensure accessible, predictable and high-quality care is available to Winnipeggers both in the evening and on weekends.”
The WRHA says Walk-In Connected Care will ensure the care patients receive is connected back to their primary care provider as appropriate. Those without a family doctor will be referred to the province’s Family Doctor Finder program.
Gina Trinidad, chief operations officer for the WRHA, says while more than 80 percent of Winnipeggers say they have a family doctor, more than half rely on episodic care when their own doctor is unavailable.
WICC services will be available in most areas of the city beginning January 2. Residents living in northeast Winnipeg will have health services aligned with Concordia Hospital later in the year.
