Back to SearchREPOST from the Niagara Ontario Health Team-Équipe Santé Ontario Niagara
South Niagara residents will have continued access to primary care through the summer months thanks to a collaboration between Bridges Community Health Centre, Niagara Medical Group, Portage Medical, and Welland McMaster Family Health Teams.
Beginning July 1, Primary Care Access Clinics will be available on select days at Bridges Community Health Centre’s locations in Fort Erie (1485 Garrison Rd.) and Port Colborne (380 Elm St.). The clinics will operate from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and will be staffed by health care professionals to provide care for non-emergency health concerns. No appointment is necessary, and the clinics are available to anyone permanently residing in Canada. The clinics will bridge the gap with the summer closures at Niagara Health Urgent Care Centres and provide continued access to primary care to our communities.
“Access to timely care is important for everyone,” says Taralea McLean, Executive Director of Bridges Community Health Centre. “These clinics are a community-based response addressing the needs of our residents, and we are proud to be part of the solution.”
The clinics will focus on health issues that individuals would typically visit their primary care provider for, such as urinary tract infections, respiratory symptoms, sore throats, minor sprains, rashes, digestive issues, and other non-urgent concerns. These clinics will send patients to the appropriate community locations for lab tests and diagnostic imaging, as needed.
“This initiative shows the power of partnership and local leadership in action,” says Tara Galitz, Executive Director of the Niagara Ontario Health Team – Équipe Santé Ontario Niagara. “By bringing together health care professionals from Bridges, Niagara Medical Group, Portage Medical, Welland McMaster, and regional health partners, we’re helping to ensure that residents in Fort Erie, Port Colborne and nearby communities have access to primary care close to home through the summer.”
Niagara Health is managing a dynamic physician staffing situation and schedules may continue to evolve based on physician availability. Patients are encouraged to regularly visit niagarahealth.on.ca for the latest updates.
The Fort Erie Urgent Care Centre will now be open on Tuesday, July 1 and throughout the Labour Day long weekend from Saturday, August 30 to Monday, September 1.
“We are grateful to local primary care providers for stepping up with these primary care access clinics to help fill the gaps and ensure patients have options for non-emergency care. Their leadership and commitment to patients have made a real difference,” says Dr. Kevin Chan, Chief of Staff at Niagara Health.
The launch of the Primary Care Access Clinics in South Niagara is drawing positive attention from MPP for Niagara West Sam Oosterhoff, who emphasizes the importance of both community and government efforts in ensuring access to timely care.
“I am pleased to see community partners stepping up to ensure that residents in the region have access to care this summer,” says MPP Oosterhoff. “This is in addition to our government’s work to ensure access to convenient care by funding new and expanded primary care teams across the province, helping connect everyone in Ontario to a primary care provider.”
Clinic dates by location
Fort Erie
July 4, 11, 18, and 25
August 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 15, 22, and 29
September 5 and 12
Port Colborne
July 1, 5, 12, 19, and 26
August 9, 16, 23, 30, and 31
September 1, 6, and 13
For emergencies or life-threatening concerns, residents are reminded to call 911 or visit their nearest Emergency Department:
- Niagara Health, Welland Hospital (65 Third St.)
- Niagara Health, Niagara Falls Hospital (5546 Portage Rd.)
- Niagara Health, St. Catharines Hospital (1200 Fourth Ave.)
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