Innovative health clinics open to serve high-risk neighbourhoods

Two high-risk neighbourhoods in London are having more of their health care needs met through an innovative program by The University of Western Ontario called the Interprofessional Care Learning Labs Project. The Allan Rush Gardens and Southdale Housing Units now feature a one-stop "Centre for Family Health," a clinic where both primary health and social care needs can be met. The clinics are funded by the Government of Ontario and were officially opened today by the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, the Honourable David Caplan.

"I am proud to participate in the official opening of these clinics," said David Caplan, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care. "These new clinics will provide much-needed health services to this community and increase access to quality health care. It's a win-win combination - families will benefit from top-notch care and students will benefit from a wide variety of hands-on, practical experience."

"These clinics offer valuable training for students from interdisciplinary health programs, but just as important, they provide better access to health services to those who often feel powerless in achieving their own health," explains Carole Orchard, Coordinator of Western's Office of Interprofessional Health Education and Research. "This program engages members of the community to actively take charge of their health and social care needs."

Nurse Practitioners staff the clinics, along with faculty and students from Western's Faculty of Health Sciences, the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, King's and Brescia University Colleges providing such services as nursing, social work, speech-language pathology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nutrition and psychology counseling. The clinics integrate health promotion, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. For more information, visit www.ipe.uwo.ca