Colborne Rural Outreach Clinic anticipates change and growth
Collin Whitehouse
By Cecilia Nasmith
Following its April 6 opening, Colborne's new Rural Outreach Clinic anticipates being able to increase access to in-person services in early July.
This is in alignment with Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopen Ontario, the province's plan for safely and gradually lifting COVID-19 public-health measures.
Located at 34 Victoria St., this initiative was a year-one priority for the Ontario Health Team-Northumberland, accomplished in partnership with the Township of Cramahe. At present, it offers a variety of by-appointment-only services, including:
Primary care by a nurse practitioner for patients not currently rostered with a local primary-care provider (and for those who may need a specific temporary support closer to home)
Mental-health counselling for adults and youth
Diabetes education
Foot care and chiropody
Carol Beauchamp – Rebound Child and Youth Services Executive Director and a member of the OHT-N working group co-ordinating the Rural Outreach Clinic initiative – said that the clinic is being prepared to accept more in-person appointments in the near future.
“As COVID-19 vaccination rates climb and health-system indicators improve, we look forward to welcoming Cramahe and area residents to our facility in greater numbers – as safety precautions permit – in conjunction with the province's eventual move to reopening additional services and amenities under Step Two,” Beauchamp said in the announcement.
“With the province remaining in each step for at least 21 days, we are planning for this ramp-up to begin in early July, while remaining flexible to push out this timeline in the event an extended period under Step One measures is required.”
In addition to current services, seniors' assessments are planned for the near future, as well as small group programs and other opportunities to improve access and deliver value to the community.
“Once the province moves to Step Two of the reopening, clinic services (currently primarily virtual) will gradually and increasingly shift to in-person appointments over a period of four weeks,” Beauchamp explained.
“We also intend to continue offering residents the option of virtual appointments, where this is practical from a care perspective.”
During the planning process, the working group had mentioned the possibility of establishing a similar initiative elsewhere in Northumberland, with Roseneath mentioned as a possibility.
“OHT-N partners look forward to learning more about client needs and adjusting this model of care as required, as we consider the possibility of replicating the Rural Outreach Clinic in other areas throughout Northumberland over time,” Beauchamp said.
“This initiative is an important part of overall OHT-N efforts to transform the delivery of health and community-care services in Northumberland in ways that improve patient, caregiver and provider experience, as well as health outcomes.”
For time time being, in Step One, appointments continue to be required for all Rural Outreach Clinic services, with no walk-in support available at this time.
Area residents can call the clinic directly at 289-265-0505 to book an appointment on a first-come-first-served basis.