Sterling Centre (submitted photo)

By Pete McIntyre

Update

Interior Health working to prevent Vernon walk-in clinic closure

Oct 18, 2023 | 1:00 PM

Despite the announcement that a Vernon walk-in clinic will be closing in November, Interior Health said it is still trying to prevent that from happening.

Doctors at the Sterling Centre clinic on 25th Avenue say the facility will close on Nov. 16, saying they can’t find enough support staff to keep it open, adding they have worked with Interior Health and the Ministry of Health for the last year, without success.

Chris Simms, Interior Health’s executive director of clinical operations, North Okanagan told Vernon Matters, they have been in regular communications with leadership at the Sterling Clinic on the challenges and potential solutions.

“Partners such as the Ministry of Health and Division of Family Practice are actively supporting these discussions and working on solutions to prevent the clinic from closure,” Simms said in a statement.

“For example, the new longitudinal family physician payment model brings potential options to financially support, temporary stabilization funding has been provided to the clinic, and the Shuswap North Okanagan Primary Care Network has been exploring additional supports to keep this clinic open.”

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Simms realizes the Sterling clinic’s pending closure is concerning for patients and said IH is committed to ongoing conversations with the providers on a transition plan.

“We endeavor to ensure continued and expanded primary care services to the community in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Shuswap North Okanagan Division of Family Practice, First Nations communities and other community partners.”

While long-term plans are underway, the health agency said community members can continue to access primary care services through their family doctors, family nurse practitioners or book same-day urgent care appointments at the Vernon Urgent and Primary Care Centre.

Community members can also register themselves and their families online to get a primary care provider through the Health Connect Registry at: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-connect-registry

Community pharmacies can assist with routine and emergency prescription renewals. And as of June 1, 2023, people in B.C. can get prescriptions from their pharmacists for contraceptives and medications to treat 21 minor ailments.

“While this does not replace a family doctor, it is a helpful support network people in B.C. can easily access,” Simms said.

People can also call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1 to speak with a health service navigator, access health services and connect with an 8-1-1 nurse, dietitian, exercise professional, pharmacist or, if applicable, a physician.

Anyone experiencing serious or emergent health issues should call 9-1-1 or visit the emergency department at Vernon Jubilee Hospital.

The Sterling Centre is Vernon’s last walk-in clinic after several others closed in recent years, including the one at Vernon’s Real Canadian Superstore which shut down on Sept. 30.