Filling a gap: Crapaud walk-in already busy, receiving positive feedback

It's only been open for five weeks, one day a week, but a temporary walk-in medical clinic set up in a pharmacy in Crapaud is already filling a void on the South Shore of P.E.I. and receiving positive feedback from patients.

The clinic, which is located inside the South Shore Pharmacy, opened its doors Jan.23 after the village's only physician relocated his practice to Cornwall.

That left a number ofpatients without a primary care provider, including Victoria resident Brenda Boudreau.

"I had to avail myself of the emergency services one day and then I followed up with a clinic visit to Charlottetown," said Boudreau. "All of which is acceptable, but not convenient, not very reassuring, especially for seniors. Seniors need a lot of medical attention sometimes."

Two physicians have seen more than 150 patients from across the south shore since the clinic opened. A third doctor is expected this month.

"The response has been overwhelming," said Lisa Gallant of the South Shore Health and Wellness Committee, which was established following the departure of the area's doctor.

"People really felt left in the lurch and were really worried about their healthcare and being able to access healthcare in this community."

Gallant said the clinics see up to 40 people at a time fromCrapaud and beyond.

"Everyone is just so thankful," she said.

Fall through the cracks

Before the walk-in clinic opened, the only optionsfor anyone without a family doctor were walk-in clinics in other communitiesor the emergency room.

Gallant said the emergency room is an inefficient use oftime and resources for lesser or more easily treated ailments.

Additionally, she saidpatients with chronic conditions are more likely to fall through the cracks.

"Those people can't wait two to three weeks to get in to see their physician," Gallant said. "That wouldn't be appropriate. To go to Charlottetown, the clinics there are generally alot busier, so there's a longer wait so this is a good spot for them."

Norman MacDonald saidthe new walk-in clinic is a welcome addition to the community.

The 92-year-old Crapaudresidenthas mobility issues and no longer drives, so when he needs to see a doctor, he must rely on friends or family for a ride.

He saidhaving access to a doctor in the village, even on a temporary basis, gives him peace of mind.

"The fact that we've always had a doctor here has been a lossthat there is no one now, but this having this office two and possibly three days a week is better than nothing," MacDonaldsaid.

The South Shore Health and Wellnesscommitteeplans to build a permanent clinic on the pharmacy property.

It would have up to four doctors and offer a wide range of services not currently available to patients across the south shore, includingdietitians, physiotherapy and mental health.

"There's always been a doctor in the south shore area, the numbers I think would back that up," said Mike Connolly, co-chair of theSouth Shore Health and Wellnesscommittee.

"There's such a large number of people without a family physician. We're hoping to alleviate that with this plan we have, and we know the response we've got from the public is that what we're doing is what people think we need."

The walk-in clinic will be expanded to two days a week beginning next week on Tuesday from10 a.m. until 1 p.m.
and Thursdays from 6-8 p.m.

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