Interior Health (IH) has opened a new urgent and primary care centre (UPCC) in Elkford, in a step to address the healthcare shortage in the community.
IH says the facility will serve the community and the surrounding area seven days a week.
The clinic was built into the existing Elkford Health Centre and is co-located with other community health services, X-ray and lab services.
The new UPCC will offer urgent and same-day primary care appointments, such as the following:
- Sore throat
- Injuries that limit movement
- Minor fevers
- Minor infections
- Upset stomach
- Short-term anxiety and mild to moderate depression
- When needing suture removal
- Wound checks & dressings
- Sexual health testing and information
- Substance use support
- Social supports
The UPCC is also working with Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡiʾit and Ktunaxa Nation Council to ensure proper supports are available for Indigenous patients.
Walk-in appointments are available, or you can book an appointment by calling 250-865-2247. Appointments can be held virtually or over the phone.
The UPCC opened on Wednesday, May 21 and East Kootenay Director of Clinical Operations Lindsay Hetu says it has already begun treating many patients
“Our priority is to provide Elkford residents with reliable, sustainable health care solutions, and this UPCC model has worked well in other communities,” said Hetu.
“We’re already seeing success with it in Elkford, and we’ve managed to almost fully recruit for all of our positions in this community. It’s going to provide the kind of care the people of Elkford need when they need it.”
Emergency care will still be dealt with in Sparwood or Fernie.
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