Adam Prudhomme
Editor
Ribbon was cut outside the LENADCO Access Clinic on Thursday, officially signifying its opening.
Though patients have been using the facility since late July, the ceremony nonetheless meant a huge step forward for medicare in the county.
“We got some of the bumps out,” said Dr. Kim Morrison, chief of staff at Lennox and Addington County General Hospital. “We come together today to celebrate what’s really been an evolution over a couple of years of trying to fill a known gap in our community and we’re hopeful this clinic has made a big step towards doing that.”
Open Monday to Friday from 2-8 p.m. and weekends 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the clinic is meant to serve as an alternative to going to LACGH’s Emergency Room for non-urgent medical needs. For people without a family doctor, or for those who can’t wait until their next appointment, the Access Clinic has a doctor on site to care for colds, flu like symptoms, skin conditions, tick bites, urinary symptoms, small cuts, ear issues and sprains or strains.
“It’s much more than a walk in clinic,” said Morrison. “This is a collaboration and an event that requires trust and teamwork amongst providers and hospital staff and municipal and council staff. Administrative people, governance people. Everybody has really come together to make this clinic a reality.”
Morrison says they continue to strive to improve the clinic, working with the hospital and doctors to link medical records and ensure seamless care. She says it will also play a role in helping to attract more family physicians to the region, all while diverting non-urgent cases from LACGH’s Emergency Room.
“This facility will significantly improve access to primary care for our county’s residents,” said Eric Smith, warden of Lennox and Addington. “County council is pleased to support this project with $100,000 in contributions over the next four years. We value the cooperative spirit that exists between the county and the Lennox and Addington County General Hospital. We are working together to serve all the residents throughout the county.”
The clinic is located at 310 Bridge Street W in Napanee.