By Cecilia Nasmith/Today’s Northumberland
The Ontario Health Team-Northumberland is delighted to announce an April 6 opening for the region’s first Rural Outreach Clinic at 34 Victoria St. In Colborne, thanks to a unique collaboration with Cramahe Township.
Details have previously been shared with municipal councils, including Cobourg and Northumberland, of priority projects like this one undertaken by this partnership of local providers, patients and caregivers. This one, spokesperson Linda Davis said in the announcement, “is to bring services to rural community locations in Northumberland and help reduce barriers to care experienced by patients in small rural areas, suvh as access, transportation and outreach challenges.”
The April 6 opening will ensure Cramahe Township residents gain access to a suite of services which otherwise might require a 20-to-30-minute car trip. Available by appointment, these services include mental health counselling (for youth and adults), diabetes education, foot care and chiropody, smoking cessation, seniors’ wellness support and even primary care for patients not currently rostered with a primary-care provider or for those who need a specific temporary support closer to home.
Beginning April 6, Cramahe Township residents can call the clinic at 289-265-0505 if they (or someone they care for) requires these services. Construction is now being completed on accessibility enhancements, including a ramped entry, and parking is available.
When public-health restrictions permit, small group programs will also be considered at this site. At this time, however, walk-in support is not available at the clinic.
Rebound Child and Youth Services Executive Director (and OHT-N working group member co-ordinating the launch) Carol Beauchamp said it is an exciting project to be part of.
“We are very grateful to Cramahe Township for answering the OHT-N’s call for available space and their readiness to assist with some of the critical logistics.”
The services being made available here reflect input on priority needs identified by community residents through a recent survey launched by the township and the OHT-N.
Other key factors that helped drive planning around which services would be offered at the launch were the availability of local health-are resources to support the clinic and the appropriateness of those services for the physical site.
“This is the realization of a dream for Cramahe Township – extended health services right here to serve our residents,” Cramahe Mayor Mandy Martin declared.
“Our council, our dedicated municipal staff and our citizens appreciate the co-operation and collaborative opportunity this project represents. When we work together as partners, much can be – and is – achieved.
“Thank you to all involved. It’s a exciting day!”
Looking ahead, Beauchamp said they will begin by scheduling appointments fore specific services on set days – rotating youth mental-health clinic day with adult mental-health services so each can be offered on day per week.
“We plan to remain as flexible as possible as we learn more about community needs and provider availability,” she said.
“We have the opportunity to expand in the future, but we are looking forward to starting with these priority clinics on a rotating basis, and growing and adjusting together as a team, with the community, as we move forward – here in Colborne and in other areas throughout Northumberland.”
In their council presentations, OHT-N representatives mentioned a possible site in Roseneath to be the next Rural Outreach Clinic location.
Northumberland-Peterborough South MPP David Piccini recalled that the Government of Ontario announced Northumberland’s as one of the province’s first 24 Ontario Health Teams in a ceremony in Colborne attended by Minister of Health Christine Elliott.
“This clinic proves what good things can happen when we mobilize community resources to create accessible health and community care for our rural communities,” Piccini said.
“The opening of this clinic is a testament to the strong existing collaborative partnerships that exist in Northumberland and is part of our government’s commitment to hallway health care.”
He extended his thanks to the health-care providers and organizations that partnered with the OHT-N to make this possible and help transform the health-care landscape.
Included in the photos are: Arryn McNichol, CAO, Township of Cramahe, Linda Davis, President & CEO, Northumberland Hills Hospital and OHT-N spokesperson, Mandy Martin, Mayor, Township of Cramahe, David Piccini, MPP, Northumberland-Peterborough South, Adrienne Bell-Smith, Executive Director, Northumberland Family Health Team, Michele Leggette, OHT-N Rural Outreach Clinic Coordinator and Cramahe staff
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
