A collaboration between community groups and local health-care providers is set to keep a walk-in clinic open longer in Penticton.
The Community Foundation of the South Okanagan Similkameen, Community Futures Okanagan Similkameen and the South Okanagan Similkameen Division of Family Practice are working together with the doctors and nurse practitioners to open the clinic at Apple Plaza, set to open Oct. 3.
The Apple Plaza Walk-In Clinic had previously announced its closure for Sept. 30, due to a shortage of physician staffing.
However, the new collaborative model offers a fresh approach to the clinic’s operation that is hoped to keep it open for at least six more months.
“In the old model, doctors own the clinic, hire and manage the staff, look after the building, all while trying to provide medical care to patients. My partners and I just couldn’t attract anyone to work in that type of clinic anymore, which is why we needed to close,” said Dr. Heidi Ingram. “But in this model, we are supported by community organizations. We aren’t doing it alone”
The clinic will continue to offer a comprehensive range of primary healthcare services, including general medical consultations, minor procedures, and referrals to specialists when necessary.
The model the clinic will work under is similar to that adopted for Foundry Penticton.
“The Community Foundation and Community Futures will hold the lease for the Community Walk-In Clinic, while the doctors and nurse practitioners, supported by the Division of Family Practice, will provide the service. This partnership is an excellent example of groups leveraging their strengths to make important things happen quickly,” said Aaron McRann, executive director of the Community Foundation
A Community Fund has been established to receive charitable donations for the development and operation of community-based primary care services. To donate you can contact McRann at
Individuals in the South Okanagan Similkameen in need of medical attention can call
Those seeking a family doctor or nurse practitioner are invited to register on the Health Connect Registry at Health Connect Registry Link.
The clinic is located at Apple Plaza at 162 - 1848 Main St. and was to open Oct. 3. Once open, the clinic will have hours of Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., barring some exceptions due to lack of staffing.