The Manitoba government has announced the opening of its first-ever Extended Hours Primary Care Clinic.
“People don’t get sick exclusively during business hours,” said Premier Kinew. “We’re helping you see a family doctor by opening new clinics that stay open late into the evening, during the weekends and on holidays. It’s going to make life more convenient for parents, families, and working people. Plus, by increasing primary care options in our communities, we will improve overall health outcomes across our province.”
Located at Access Winnipeg West at Grace General Hospital, the clinic will offer services from family doctors and nurses who can treat common ailments and manage chronic conditions. The clinic’s hours will be from 5:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. on weekdays, 1:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. on weekends, and special hours during holidays. Patients can register for same-day appointments online at myrightcare.ca, with some walk-in spots available daily.
“There’s been a gap in care for hardworking Manitobans who can’t book appointments during the workday,” said Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara. “Our government promised to make health care more accessible and convenient, and that is exactly what Extended Hours Primary Care Clinics will do. Folks won’t have to take time off to get an appointment, and their primary care practitioners will be well-informed of all the care they receive during extended hours.”
Dylan MacKay, a west Winnipeg resident living with Type 1 diabetes and a parent of two, expressed his support for the new clinic. “We all lead busy lives and having an extended hours clinic nearby will benefit my family and my community,” he said.
The introduction of Extended Hours Primary Care Clinics is part of a broader effort to enhance primary care in Manitoba, including the recently announced Minor Injury and Illness Clinics. These initiatives aim to ensure that everyone can conveniently access care in their local community.
Dr. Amanda Condon, department head of family medicine at Max Rady College of Medicine and provincial lead of family medicine at Shared Health, emphasized the importance of continuity of care. “The relationship between a patient and their family physician remains vitally important. Your family physician or health-care provider knows you and your medical history, which is why it’s crucial that these clinics ensure a connection back to your primary care provider. This continuity of care is invaluable in providing safe and quality care.”
The new Extended Hours Primary Care Clinic is set to open its doors on September 18, marking a significant step forward in making healthcare more accessible and convenient for Manitobans.
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