Expanded primary care services for those with mental health and substance issues are coming to a new location in Penticton.
The new Martin Street Outreach Centre will provide care for people who are not able to access primary care through a traditional family practice and is the result of a partnership between the South Okanagan Similkameen Division of Family Practice’s, the A GP for Me initiative and Interior Health.
A GP for Me is a joint initiative of the provincial government and Doctors of BC creating and strengthening relationships with family doctors and patients.
“Individuals with complex mental health and substance use issues continue to be at high risk of chronic disease and health complications, and can have challenges accessing primary care and other services,” said Terry Lake, Health Minister. “The relocated and expanded program reflects our commitment to ensuring community supports are in place and will help some of Penticton’s most vulnerable residents.”
A group of local general practice (GP) physicians and Interior Health currently offer a collaborative program in Penticton to help clients with mental health and substance use issues access services.
In May, this program will move from the Penticton Health Centre to newly leased space at 437 Martin St.
“We are committed to helping improve access to primary care services for all British Columbians, especially those with vulnerable health conditions,” said Penticton MLA Dan Ashton.
The Penticton Health Centre currently provides some access to GPs, who consult with patients to discuss medications, side effects, rehabilitation, chronic disease management, prevention strategies such as smoking cessation and other health concerns. The new clinic at the Martin Street Outreach Centre will build on the current services and hopes to provide patients with increased access to GPs and registered social workers.
“The opening of this expanded clinic for patients with mental health and substance use issues will allow people without family doctors to now become attached to primary care resources. In addition to intensive mental health and substance use therapies we will also have the chance to offer preventative and chronic disease treatment, such as diabetic care, which is a critical missing piece for this population,” said Dr. Kyle Stevens, a family physician who works with patients on the methadone program. “It is our hope that this strong attachment with family physicians will allow us to help support individuals so that they can eventually reintegrate into typical family practice settings in the community.”
The new centre will house related programs, such as the Community Crisis Response Team, a Stop HIV nurse and other service providers and partners. The program also offers a range of services including intake assessments, referrals to other resources, diabetes education, life skills training, counseling and psychiatry.
A community open house will be held later this summer at a date yet to be determined.