Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services Launches First Mobile Clinic in New-Wes-Valley

Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) Health Services is pleased to announce the launch of the first mobile primary health clinic service for the province in New-Wes-Valley, located in the Central Zone of the province. This mobile primary health clinic will be open to scheduled patients on Saturday, November 18 and Sunday, November 19, 2023 at the Dr. Y. K. Jeon Kittiwake Health Centre.

“Mobile primary health clinic services are another option for patients to access health care services in rural communities,” said Dr. Jared Butler, Medical Director for primary care, NL Health Services, Central Zone. “Clinics will be offered on evenings and weekends, providing greater opportunities for patients to see a health-care professional if they require non-urgent primary health-care services.”

The mobile clinics will have a collaborative team of health professionals who will offer primary health care services that include assessing and treating common ailments, education and awareness of chronic disease prevention and management, preventative screening, and referring patients to additional services or facilities where required. Primary health-care services offered during this time will include non-urgent primary care and cervical screening (pap test).

The Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services adds, “We’re excited to see our first mobile clinic operating. Mobile clinics will help the Provincial Government and NL Health Services reach more people who need access to primary health care. Mobile clinics are helping increase access to primary care and we look forward to seeing more clinics starting in the future.”

Mobile clinics will be supported by nurse practitioners (NP), registered nurses (RNs), clerical staff and family physicians. There are a limited number of appointments available and individuals seeking an appointment are asked to pre-book an appointment by calling 709-536-1118.

“This new and innovative approach provides increased access to health care for patients. As such, we are excited to offer these mobile health clinics to patients in the Central Zone, the first in the province,” said Joanne Pelley, Chief Operating Officer – Central Zone and Provincial Chief Nursing Officer. “Embracing innovative solutions, such as mobile primary health clinics, provides the provincial health authority with opportunities to enhance health-care delivery by bringing primary health-care services directly to communities and removes the challenges of geography and human resources.”

Individuals who are experiencing a medical emergency should call 911 or proceed to their nearest emergency department as the mobile clinics are focused on providing non-urgent care.

Based on the Nova Scotia Health Authority model of mobile care, these mobile clinics increase access to primary care for underserved and vulnerable populations such as:

• People living in remote or rural areas of the province;
• People with lower income;
• People who don’t have access to a vehicle;
• Indigenous communities;
• Immigrants and refugees; and
• People struggling with housing, mental health, and addictions.

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