BONNECHERE VALLEY (Eganville) —
The recent approval of funding by the Champlain LHIN for a Nurse Practitioner, Nurse and Medical Secretary in Eganville demonstrates commitment and collaboration in putting patient’s first. The Whitewater Bromley Community Health Centre is a part of Lanark Renfrew Health & Community Services (WBCHC – LRHCS) received the funding to cover staffing costs, the delivery of service will be coordinated in partnership with Dr. Michael Petrini, the Whitewater Bromley CHC, the West Champlain Family Health Team, and other community resources.
“The limited access to primary health care services in parts of Renfrew County, and in the Bonnechere Valley and Whitewater Regions in particular, has been a long-standing issue. This partnership will have a significant impact on the current gap in services and will provide alternatives to help area residents get better access to care,” said Brenda Powers-Ross, Director of the Whitewater Bromley Community Health Centre, which is a part of LRHCS.
Dr. Michael Petrini, an Eganville Family Physician for the last 38 years, is extremely encouraged by the additional healthcare and the cooperative process in choosing and coordinating the new Nurse Practitioner and Nurse.
Dr. Petrini stated, “In the context of our limited resources, this opportunity to work together is great for patients and the community. It sets an example of how to coordinate healthcare access and service delivery. In the future, consolidating services already here will better prepare Eganville to access more healthcare.” Dr. Petrini welcomes the partnership with the Whitewater Bromley Community Health Centre.
The West Champlain Family Health Team (WCFHT) has recently received from the Ministry of Health permission for it to address health needs of all people in the Eganville and related areas. Bob French, Board Chair of the WCFHT said, “if [we] all work together in common facilities and using clinical providers, this will considerably expand the primary health services of the area. It has taken time to achieve this position on the part of all the players”.
John Jordan, Executive Director of Lanark Renfrew Health & Community Services, says, “partnerships and collaborations as a best practice in meeting today’s increasing demands for health care services in an ageing population and in a fiscally responsible manner. By offering a wide range of primary care, allied health care and health promotion programs that support physical and mental health, we aim to ensure that people are seen by the right provider at the right time, as close to home as possible.”
For more information, contact the LRHCS or WBCHC by telephone or visit them online.
