Breton and area residents will once again be able to access medical appointments closer to home when the Breton Medical Clinic reopens on Nov. 7 after being closed in late June.
Set to provide appointments on Tuesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., officials with Alberta Health Services say the clinic will be supported by two physicians — Dr. Ahmed El Furgi and Dr. Youssef Jadi — who will travel to the community from Drayton Valley to deliver family medical care as well as care to those who reside in long-term care at the Breton Health Centre.
“I’m glad that AHS has been successful in attracting the necessary physician supports to reopen this facility, ensuring the people of Breton are able to access healthcare where and when they need it most,” says Andrew Boitchenko, MLA for Drayton Valley-Devon.
AHS says patients can begin booking appointments starting Oct. 24 by calling 780-696-3944. The health agency says messages for appointments will be responded to on Tuesdays in the order they are received. Patients are asked to bring their Alberta Health Care number and a list of medications to their first appointment.
Alberta Health Services (AHS) says it will be solely responsible for the operation of the medical clinic when it resumes operation as part of a commitment to supporting access to local healthcare in the community. Previously, operational responsibilities for the medical clinic were split between physicians and AHS, officials point out.
Under AHS operation, the provincewide clinical information system Connect Care will be implemented at the clinic to ensure consistent processes, such as electronic charting, information sharing agreements and reconciliation of old patient records, says AHS. This streamlined approach, combined with clear expectations for new recruits to support the medical clinic as part of their contract, is expected to support physician recruitment efforts for the area.
“We know Breton residents value having access to a medical clinic in their community, and AHS remains committed to supporting the operation of this facility well into the future,” says Janice Stewart, Chief Zone Officer for AHS Central Zone.
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