Orillia nurse practitioner-led clinic proposal awaits green light from province
The creators behind an Orillia nurse practitioner-led clinic proposal are anxiously awaiting approval from the province one year after bringing it forward.
Three nurse practitioners are trying to bring Ontario's 26th nurse practitioner-led clinic to Orillia and say momentum is building after recent talks with the province, but they have yet to find an agreement for funding.
"We're actively hopeful that we'll see some funding that will come shortly," said nurse practitioner Janet Greaves. "Recently, Health Minister Sylvia Jones said she has reconsidered and views it as an innovation, which is a positive step from where we were last year."
- Download the CTV News app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates sent to your email inbox
Greaves is joined by nurse practitioners Nicole McDonald and Cathy Suppa in pushing for the funding agreement.
A location has already been chosen for when it is approved, a medical building located at 169 Front Street South, also known as The Common Roof.
The Common Roof in Orillia, Ont., is the proposed location for a nurse practitioner-led clinic. (CTV News/Christian D'Avino)
The three say the clinic is needed to ease the burden that Orillia is facing, with primary care at its tipping point in the city.
"There are 15,000 patients that are unattached, and there are six physicians that are set to retire this year and next year," said Nicole McDonald. "We can offer care in a similar way to a physician-led clinic. What is different is the economics. Nurse practitioners are a very cost-efficient way to provide primary care."
Last week, nurses from the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO) met at Queen's Park to review some of their requests for improving care in Ontario.
Part of that was discussing the approval for Orillia's clinic.
"I took away a lack of sense of urgency, which is concerning to us," said Dr. Doris Grinspun, RNAO CEO. "We were looking for the green light, we thought we would get the green light, and we are still waiting, and that's unacceptable to us."
A statement from the province said it has committed to adding 150 new education seats for nurse practitioners this year and has advanced the necessary steps to allow registered nurses to prescribe.
These are commended by Dr. Grinspun, as well as for a changing attitude when it comes to the clinic. However, the statement from the province did not directly mention the proposal in Orillia.
Meanwhile, should funding be approved, Greaves said they could realistically have the clinic operational within a few months.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.