Expanded prenatal and postpartum care services are on the way for Kamloops residents.
Interior Health says in a release that potential service gaps have been identified and the First Steps Early Pregnancy Triage Clinic is expanding its services.
According to a release, the goal is to have a team-based delivery service made up of midwives, physicians and nurse practitioners to support families through all stages of pregnancy.
Currently, the clinic only provides services for the first 20 weeks of a pregnancy, however, Interior Health says it will be employing a registered nurse, nurse practitioner and a medical office assistant to increase care for up to 30 weeks.
The clinic will also expand to offer postpartum care up to six weeks after the baby is born.
“Stabilizing high-quality, team-based care for pregnant and postpartum patients is the goal of all partners engaged in the First Steps Early Pregnancy Triage Clinic,” said Susan Brown, Interior Health president and CEO.
“Through collaborative efforts, we are committed to providing expectant individuals and new parents with the necessary care and support during such a significant time in their lives.”
The clinic first opened in September 2023 and has served nearly 400 people.
It is estimated that the clinic will serve around 800 patients each year.
The expansion is thanks to a joint funding agreement between BC’s Ministry of Health and Interior Health.
“The expansion of the innovative and team-based services provided by First Steps Early Pregnancy Triage Clinic are needed to meet the needs of expectant families in Kamloops and surrounding communities,” says Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, in the release.
“The enhanced funding demonstrates our continuing commitment to bolster maternal and newborn health by expanding access to vital prenatal and postpartum care services.”
People who are newly pregnant without a care provider can call or text the First Steps Early Pregnancy Triage Clinic at 250-318-3821 to access care.
The clinic is located in Tudor Village at 1315 Summit Drive, Kamloops and is open Monday to Friday, from 8:30 am to 4 pm.
