Open Health Niverville will undergo renovations and expand its facilities starting May 15th.
“In effect, what we end up with is a clinic growing. In theory, we have been told that our medical services would probably never be delivered to the community. It is important that we begin to plan for our own needs for the future and continue to ensure that we have good opportunities to provide health care in our communities and provide leadership in the creation and continuation of open health. ,” said Coun. Nathan Dweck, President, Niverville Health Care Services Inc.
The expansion will add four exam rooms for a total of 15 rooms. There will also be a laboratory, a small reception area and a simple procedure room. The expansion will be an additional 970 square feet and cost $100,000.
The Niverville Open Health Clinic, filed, plans to expand its size by 970 square feet by the end of 2024 or early 2025.
“We're probably the only community of our size in Manitoba that doesn't have a hospital, and the intentions and conversations we've had with the provincial government over the last 10 years indicate, on both sides, that we… They won't go to the hospital. So it's important that we start building our own health facilities for the community,” Dueck said.
In 2020, the town took over ownership to accommodate the clinic's growth and patient needs. At that time, there were only about five or six doctors. The practice currently has 12 of her doctors and plans to hire four more within the next six months.
As for how the town is able to attract and retain doctors when other areas are struggling, Dueck said it's because people want to work in Niverville.
“Health care professionals currently working within our community are educating others about the clinic, the clinic concept, and the future of the clinic, creating a workplace where people want to work. A forward-thinking government is working to ensure this is a priority for the community and treating the whole concept with respect in terms of ensuring it is a space people want to stay in.”
Currently, the clinic serves 152 patients per day from the municipalities of Hannover, Tace, Ricciotto and De Salaberry. Last year, the clinic reported a profit of about $10,000. For the expansion, the town will provide funding that will be repaid once the nonprofit starts raising more money in the form of grants.
“Overall, this was an initiative that we decided to take up to ensure that we were able to provide sustainable healthcare in our communities, rather than losing it 100 percent. is the best investment the community has ever made in its long-term viability.”
The expansion is expected to be completed by the end of 2024 or early 2025. The clinic is located on the Heritage Center campus.
