Barbara Latkowski
Caledonia Courier
The Primary Care Society who are dedicated to improving healthcare in Fort St. James are exploring a new concept, a physician clinic and integrated health care space.
“We knew we had to do something. Our current clinic is just too small. We’ve done our research and we’ve determined that there is an obvious need and community interest,” Ann McCormick, a member of the Primary Care Society said.
“If we want to bring in more doctors and medical students, then we must have space to accommodate them."
The project does not include the hospital. The focus will be on a physician space that is integrated with other health care services to provide better patient care in one place.
The new facility will include primary care in: shared support services, a physician’s clinic, mental health and addictions and public health.
“This is going to be a reality so we need the commitment, volunteers, passion and enthusiasm to back it up,” said Monica Grill, also a member of the society.
There are no site plans for the location of the project.
"We have done a significant amount of work but there are still a number of steps we need to go through prior to any formal work happening. We have no start dates for this project,” McCormick said.
Fort St. James Mayor Rob MacDougall is thrilled with the idea.
“The clinic is the first step in providing updated facilities for our medical practitioners starting with the new clinic and a new hospital in the future,” MacDougall said.
“It was just a vision. But now it’s happening. If we can all pull together as a community, we will make this happen,” McCormick said.