Primary Care Services open in Kamloops

Today, Health Minister Terry Lake and Todd Stone, MLA for Kamloops-South Thompson helped open the Interior Health Primary Care Services clinic at the North Shore Health Science Centre.

Five nurse practitioners (NPs) were hired to tackle the patient wait list. A sixth NP will start in April. Family doctors are still in the process of being recruited. There will also be a primary care nurse, office manager and medical office assistance.

The goal is to provide better patient-focused care and help with the overload of patients.

“When people are sick, they are often at their most vulnerable and I am very excited to be a part of an initiative that promises to have a positive impact on these patients by improving their access to health care,” said Lorraine Lines. She’s going to be working at the Primary Care Services as an NP.

A primary care practitioner will work in the area of illness prevention, illness and injury intervention, reproductive care, early detection of chronic illness, care for illnesses and education around health and self-care.

This is the second Interior Healthcare site to open to enhance primary care in Kamloops. The second floor of the North Shore Health Science Centre opened in February and provides care for lung disease, heart disease, diabetes and mental health as well as substance use issues.

“The opening of this clinic represents a great day for Kamloops residents who have been seeking a constant provider for their primary care needs. These highly trained nurse practitioners will help ease the pressure for those people without a family doctor or nurse practitioner,” said Interior Health Board Chair John O’Fee.

This is part two of the four-point action plan for enhancing primary care in Kamloops. Minister Terry Lake's action plan focuses on increasing capacity at walk-in clinics, increasing patient care by hiring nurse practitioners and recruiting family doctors, and designated specialized care teams for elderly, mental health and complex medical issues.

The four-point action plan will also include services for adults ages 65 and older, including a Seniors Health and Wellness Centre.

The cost of the Primary Care Service project funded by Interior Health is around $1.3 million.