OHT-N prepares to ramp up in-person services at Rural Outreach Clinic in Colborne

 

NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, Tuesday, June 22, 2021 - Increased access to in-person services at the Rural Outreach Clinic in Colborne is anticipated for early July. This is in alignment with Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopen Ontario - the Province's plan to safely and gradually lift COVID-19 public health measures.

The Ontario Health Team of Northumberland (OHT-N), in partnership with Cramahe Township, opened the Rural Outreach Clinic on April 6, 2021 at 34 Victoria Street, Colborne. A year-one priority project for the OHT-N, this clinic brings health and community care services closer to rural residents. Available by appointment only, this includes:

  • Primary care (Nurse Practitioner) for patients not currently rostered with a local primary care provider or those who may need a specific temporary support closer to home;

  • Mental health counselling (adult and youth);

  • Diabetes education; and

  • Foot care/chiropody;

“As the Province now navigates Step One of the Roadmap to Reopen,  we are readying the clinic to accept more in-person appointments in the near future,” says Carol Beauchamp, Executive Director, Rebound Child and Youth Services, and a member of the OHT-N working group responsible for coordinating the Rural Outreach Clinic initiative.

“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. 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.”

Beyond current services, seniors assessments are planned for the near future, as are 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 plan, clinic services – currently primarily virtual – will gradually and increasingly shift to in-person appointments over a period of four weeks. We also intend to continue offering residents the option of virtual appointments, where this is practical from a care perspective,” explains Beauchamp.

“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. 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.”

Appointments continue to be required for all Rural Outreach Clinic services. At present, no walk-in support is available. Area residents are invited to call the clinic directly at 289-265-0505 to book an appointment, on a first-come, first-served basis.

Learn more about the OHT-N Rural Outreach Clinic in Colborne. 

 
Rebound Child & Youth Services Northumberland