The Manitoba government will open the first minor injury and illness clinic in Brandon, as part of a $17-million Budget 2024 investment to open new clinics across the province.
In a media release Wednesday, Premier Wab Kinew said “When your child needs stitches or you have the flu, a crowded ER should not be your only option. Budget 2024 delivers on our commitment to offer more primary care options in neighbourhoods across the province, starting with this project in Brandon. The clinic will offer timely and convenient care for families and seniors, while reducing pressure on Brandon’s ER. Longer hours mean more options for busy parents so you can spend less time in the waiting room and more time on what matters most.”
The Brandon clinic will be staffed by physicians, nurse practitioners and nurses who will provide primary health-care services and support for minor health-care concerns. Patients will be able to book same-day appointments and connect with health-care providers via virtual care. It will offer extended hours to fit families’ schedules, operating 12 hours a day, seven days a week. An interim location will open in Brandon this September while Prairie Mountain Health identifies a permanent home.
Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara said, “Expanding primary care is key to improving health outcomes for Manitobans and reducing the pressure on our emergency services. This clinic is a perfect example of the flexible, accessible care our government is investing in to help families. This clinic will support Brandon families who need more options when it comes to less serious health concerns. It’s one of a series of investments our government is making to reduce emergency room wait times and provide better care to patients, faster.”
“This care model aims to reduce the number of people with less urgent care needs from waiting within the Brandon Regional Health Centre emergency department by providing timely access to primary care,” said Brian Schoonbaert, CEO, Prairie Mountain Health. “We are working with partners to attain the required space and continue collaborative efforts with our health-care professionals on a staffing plan so we can open the clinic as soon as possible.”
“As with all the investments we are making, staffing is at the core of our government’s strategy,” Asagwara. We recognize and thank the nurses, doctors and allied health professionals who have dedicated their lives to serving others here in the Westman region.”
It is estimated that the minor injury and illness clinic will see over 700 people every week once open, noted the minister.
