Primary care in Sudbury, Massey, and Espanola got a boost on May 2 thanks to the announcement of $1.9 million in funding that will be split between a pair of health care centres.
The Sudbury District Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic (NPLC) will receive $1.1 million to expand and offer a comprehensive clinic in the downtown core, which will be located on Larch Street. The NPLC will focus on Sudbury's marginalized and homeless population.
An $810,000 cash injection will go to the Noojmowin-Tag Aboriginal Health Access Centre, which is based out of Manitoulin Island. Funding will help expand Aboriginal Health Access Centre programs and services to Indigenous people in Espanola and Massey. New services will include a full-time nurse practitioner who will provide clinical services within the Espanola Family Health Team.
Northeast LHIN CEO Jeremy Stevenson made the funding announcement Wednesday afternoon at a small news conference.
"We're not used to these announcements, when we're talking about nurse practitioners, primary care, it's new for our area but that's where the people need it," said Stevenson.
"It will be used to expand current services and offer more comprehensive care, specifically in the downtown core to the people who need it. This is for people that are complex, homeless, that are vulnerable and are struggling to access primary care."
Sudbury's downtown NPLC will connect patients with a wide range of health care professionals such as nurse practitioners, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, and dietitians to address health care needs including mental health and chronic disease management.
"The Sudbury District Nurse Practitioner Clinics is very pleased to be opening an office in the downtown core to provide care to people without access to ongoing health care services," said Jennifer Clement, nurse practitioner and clinic director, Sudbury NPLC.
"NPLCs not only help to improve the lives of patients but also the health of the community as a whole, so we are very proud to be able to offer care to a population in need."
The LHIN and the city of Greater Sudbury worked side by side through the process of expanding the NPLC to the downtown, with the city stepping up to provide space for the clinic.
"The city is committed to improving the lives of our residents and the expansion of interprofessional primary care teams will not only enhance current services provided but will enable partners to better meet and serve the needs of our community's most vulnerable population," said Greater Sudbury mayor Brian Bigger.
"We will continue to work closely with our many community health partners to eliminate health disparities in our community and achieve health equity."
Joining the Sudbury NPLC in receiving funds is the Noojmowin-Tag Aboriginal Health Access Centre, which will use their $810,000 tro expand programs and services. They will be home to a full-time Indigenous mental health and addictions counsellor and cultural support worker, and will have a culturally-specific space for workshops and cultural safety training.
"We are pleased to receive funding for an expansion of primary care services to Anishinabe people living in Espanola and area," said Pamela Williamson, executive director Noojmowin-Tag Aboriginal Health Access Centre.
"As a priority, the organization will seek to engage the community in greater awareness of the new service, develop pathways for referrals and linked services with Espanola partners, and ensure that the services respond to the needs of clients."
