The Ponderosa Primary Care Centre celebrated its official grand opening on Nov. 29, ushering in the first-of-its-kind team-based clinic in British Columbia.
The facility is a one-stop-shop for patients that brings family doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, a dietician, an occupational therapist and social worker all under the same roof.
Between the family physicians and nurse practitioners, there are currently eight medical professionals taking on patients at the centre.
“Our scope is very similar to a family doctor,” said Tyrone Maguire, one of the centre’s nurse practitioners. “We can prescribe, diagnose and refer to specialists just like a family doctor, the only limitation is obstetrics, which means we don’t deliver babies.”
The Ponderosa Primary Care Centre is a product of work between the Penticton Indian Band, Interior Health, Osoyoos Indian Band, Lower Similkameen Indian Band, Upper Similkameen Indian Band and the SOS Okanagan Similkameen Division of Family Practice.
Members of Interior Health, Doctors of B.C., elected officials, and local medical practitioners all came to tour the facility. Minister of Health Adrian Dix intended to be present for the celebration, but was unable to attend.
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