Planning underway for temporary health clinic

By Jeff Helsdon

Editor

Organizers of a temporary health clinic planned for Tillsonburg are encouraging the public to fill out a survey to provide input before the end of the month.

As of March 7, only 337 residents had filled out the survey (https://bit.ly/New_Clinic_Survey). Of those who filled out the survey, 68 per cent do not have a family doctor or nurse practitioner, 28 per cent have a family doctor or nurse practitioner and four per cent aren’t sure. However, 92 per cent of respondents – whether they have a primary health care provider or not – prefer to have a provider in Tillsonburg.

The survey is part of the process of establishing a temporary clinic in Tillsonburg. The Oxford Ontario Health Team has been working hard with local partners on the initiative over the last nine months, according to executive director Teresa Martins. Preliminary work was to bring awareness of how to access preventative care, such as cancer screening, if a resident didn’t have a primary health care provider. Through the process, the partners identified a clinic for unattached residents as a possible way forward.

As part of its 2025 budget, Tillsonburg council included funding to establish a temporary clinic for those who don’t have access to a primary care health care provider (family doctor, nurse practitioner). This clinic will not be a walk-in clinic; pre-booked appointments will be required.

“The clinic is set to operate for one year from its opening date, with the hope of securing ongoing provincial funding to extend beyond 12 months,” Martins said. “Together we know access to primary care is a growing concern, and we’re committed to finding sustainable solutions for the community.”

As part of that process, a survey – Your Voice Matters – was launched to garner input from Tillsonburg residents about their needs. With the deadline for the survey approaching on March 31, Martins is encouraging residents to fill out the survey. Not only will it help shape the services offered, but will also be used for advocacy to establish a permanent clinic.

Martins said there isn’t a confirmed launch date, but the goal is sometime in 2025.

“Several critical pieces must be in place before we can set an official timeline, including securing the right healthcare professionals to staff the clinic,” she said. “More specific information about the clinic will be released when it can be confirmed.”

The team is a collaborative partnership of over 20 health care and social service organizations, providers, and community advisors committed to working together to build a stronger, healthier community for all. Members of this initiative include: the Ingersoll Nurse Practitioner Led Clinic, Thames Valley Family Health Team, Oxford County Community Health Centre, Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital, Roulston’s Pharmacy – Tillsonburg and the Town of Tillsonburg.