Alta. nurse practitioner preparing to open Cochrane clinic once funding arrives
Alberta could see a significant shift in primary health-care delivery with the opening of its first independently owned nurse practitioner (NP) clinic this year.
Karen Parker, a nurse practitioner with over 20 years of clinical experience, is at the forefront of the initiative.
“The Cochrane clinic, which would be our flagship clinic, will be organized around efficiencies in care and access, to improve access for Albertans,” said Parker.
Parker’s research shows that in Cochrane, with a population of just over 35,000, close to half do not have regular access to a primary care specialist. Her clinic could cut that number by close to 60 per cent.
“It will offer seven days a week extended hours of service each day, and would be able to support at least 10,000 Albertans with access to care,” she said.
Parker’s planned clinic has received a warm reception from local officials, including Cochrane councillor Susan Flowers, who underscored the urgent need for more primary care providers in the region.
“We need more health practitioners,” said Flowers.
“We’re fast-growing, our seniors don't have access to doctors a lot of times, and they don't want to drive to the city. So having it local, having it accessible is so important.”
The new clinic will offer a roster of nurse practitioners who can refer patients to specialists, similar to family doctors.
“The only difference that I would suggest there is around the practice model. So, nurse practitioners embrace more of a holistic, comprehensive primary care practice,” said Parker.
“That lends itself extremely well to primary care to be a dedicated primary care provider for Albertans.”
Parker currently works out of a Calgary-based wellness centre where Jimmy Kritikos is one of her patients. He says when he booked his first appointment with an NP he wasn’t sure what to expect.
“I wasn't really familiar with what a nurse practitioner is, and when I looked online, it seemed very similar to a family physician, (she) can take bloodwork, X-rays, ultrasounds, WCB reports,” said Kritikos.
“The only difference I've noticed is that she spends a lot more time, with my experience than I have with a family physician, and never feel rushed. The level of care is unprecedented.”
Parker’s clinic is expected to be a model for the province and perhaps the nation, as it will operate independently, providing government-funded care. That contrasts with NP clinics in Ontario which are owned by the province.
The clinic, to be in Cochrane’s Quarry district, is awaiting the finalization of a new funding model by Alberta Health before commencing renovations. That funding was promised by Alberta Premier Danielle Smith in November but has yet to be realized.
A spokesperson for Alberta Health says a funding announcement is expected later in the week.
Parker says she is hopeful the announcement will allow her to move forward with her plans, but says the funding model needs to support more than just individual NPs.
“So we need to make sure that this is a viable and a clinic-based funding model, not just an individual practitioner funding model.”
If the provincial funding is as she hopes, Parker says her Cochrane clinic could be open later this year.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.