Cabri and area residents will soon have improved access to quality, everyday health services including a broader team of health professionals. The enhancements are a result of adopting a Primary Health Care (PHC) model in the community that includes a Nurse Practitioner and visiting physician services.
“Our government is pleased to support enhanced, sustainable primary health care services for Cabri and the surrounding area,” said Minister Responsible for Rural and Remote Health Greg Ottenbreit. “I congratulate the Saskatchewan Health Authority, the Town of Cabri and the nearby municipalities on their forward thinking approach that will benefit residents into the future.”
The Saskatchewan Ministry of Health approved funding for the PHC model, including a full-time Nurse Practitioner and one day a week visiting physician services, following a joint submission from the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA), the Town of Cabri and surrounding municipal partners. The need arose after the retirement of Dr. Fanie de Nysschen in summer 2017. Locum (visiting) physicians have been providing coverage in the community since that time.
“We are very appreciative of the Ministry of Health’s financial investment into establishing a primary health care site that will serve the residents of Cabri and surrounding areas,” commented Bryce Martin, SHA Executive Director Primary Health Care for the southwest area. “Our relationship with the municipal councils is strong and their unwavering support for health care is recognized and acknowledged. It is an exciting announcement for the residents of the area and health professionals alike.”
“On behalf of the Town of Cabri and all municipal partners in the area I would like to emphasize how excited we are for the introduction of primary health care in our community,” commented David Gossard, Mayor of the Town of Cabri. “This is a very exciting announcement for health services in our area. We appreciate the commitment of funding from the Ministry of Health and the partnership with the Saskatchewan Health Authority as we work together to implement this model of services in our community.”
Work will now focus on recruitment of a nurse practitioner and visiting physician that will work alongside existing Primary Health Care staff in the community. Various technical upgrades are also required at the Cabri Medical Clinic to accommodate electronic medical record systems. Long-term care services will continue to be provided at the Prairie Health Care Centre in Cabri.
The Cabri Primary Health Care Site is funded to operate five days per week. Specific details including the opening date and hours of operation will be announced in the near future.
Primary Health Care is basic, everyday health care and is the foundation of the health system. It organizes health services to provide timely access to the right kind of care through a team of health professionals. PHC team members include physicians, nurse practitioners, health educators, dietitians, public/community health and others. When opened, the Cabri Primary Health Care Site will become Saskatchewan’s newest community to adopt the PHC model. To read more about Primary Health Care in Saskatchewan visit: http://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/health/accessing-health-care-services/primary-health-care.