Nurse practitioner clinics coming to Barrie Campus
Georgian College’s Barrie Campus will be the site of a new nurse practitioner-led clinic. Premier Dalton McGuinty made the announcement during a visit to the College today. The clinic will become an important part of the Georgian College Centre for Health and Wellness which is slated to open in 2011. It is one of 25 nurse practitioner clinics that will open over the next three years as part of the Ontario government’s plan to expand access to health care for all Ontarians.
Nurse practitioners are able to treat common illnesses and injuries, and order lab tests, X-rays and other diagnostic tests. They can also refer patients to specialists. They will work with doctors, nurses and other health care providers at the clinic.
“Nurse practitioner-led clinics will help ease the strain on emergency rooms. That means more Ontario families can get the primary care they need faster and more efficiently,” McGuinty said.
The clinic will provide another option for quality health care close to home and will be a vital health care resource for the people of Barrie.
Liz Erwin, Associate Dean, School of Health & Science and Child Studies at Georgian, said she was delighted with today’s announcement. “These clinics will keep Georgian College on the leading edge of education in health and wellness.”
