VON celebrates opening of expanded nurse practitioner-led clinic
On February 27th, VON was pleased to celebrate the grand opening of our new Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic in Saugeen Shores, Ontario. Diane Huber, Deputy Mayor of the Town of Saugeen Shores, and Davina Wong, Associate Vice President, Home and Community Care, VON, participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the location.
“We know that primary care is essential to the improvement and sustainability of overall health in our communities,” said Wong. “The creation of this clinic has been a partnership, built on the mandate to bring more primary care opportunities to this community.”
VON partnered with Ontario Health, the Town of Saugeen Shores, the Grey-Bruce Ontario Health Team, and the local Primary Care Network to provide more area residents with access to a dedicated primary care provider.
The relocation and expansion to 662 Gustavus Street in Port Elgin from the previous Southampton Clinic location was made possible by new funding from Ontario Health.
The additional support has enabled the clinic to grow from two nurse practitioners to four nurse practitioners and a medical secretary. The addition of a social worker and a registered nurse is in progress.
The new clinic space is also shared with an independent pedorthist, as well as VON’s Assisted Living and SMART (Seniors Maintaining Active Roles Together) programs. A secondary clinic provides nurse practitioner services to those in the Wiarton area.
“The new downtown Port Elgin location is a welcome expansion of services in our community,” said Deputy Mayor Diane Huber. “Our Council recognizes the importance of accessible healthcare services, and we are committed to investing in initiatives that improve the well-being of our residents. The Town of Saugeen Shores is proud to have supported this initiative.”
Through Ontario’s Health Care Connect, VON is able to identify individuals in need of primary care and, upon completion of the intake process, offer them the opportunity to become permanent clients of a nurse practitioner.
To further support residents without a primary care provider, as well as seasonal visitors to the area, same-day and next-day urgent care services are also available. Visit von.ca/locations/grey-bruce for more about VON services in the area.
