From left to right: Lori Marshall, President and CEO, CKHA; Natalie Clark; Clinical Director, CKHA; Dr. Pervez Faruqi, Chief of Staff, CKHA; and Kalynn Rossignol, Paramedic, Chatham-Kent EMS.
By: Chatham-Kent Health Alliance & Chatham-Kent EMS
An innovative initiative in Chatham-Kent is tackling the seasonal surge of cold, flu and respiratory illness. In late November, Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) and Chatham-Kent EMS (CKEMS) launched the CK Seasonal Care Clinic to provide services for those without access to a Physician/Nurse Practitioner and for those who cannot access their Physician/Nurse Practitioner in a timely manner. This temporary clinic is intended to support low acuity patients and alleviate capacity challenges within CKHA's Emergency Department, helping to conserve vital resources during the rush of seasonal illness.
“Over the past few years, we've honed very effective partnerships within the local health system, particularly since the establishment of the Chatham-Kent Ontario Health Team. The CK Seasonal Care Clinic is another collaboration that is the result of strong partnerships amongst health system partners," said Natalie Clark, Clinical Director, CKHA.
The Seasonal Care Clinic is staffed with a Community Paramedic and Physician or Nurse Practitioner from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily and sees patients on a walk-in basis. Operating out of a mobile trailer next to CKHA's Emergency Department, the clinic is equipped to address various minor ailments including cough, cold and flu symptoms, urinary tract infections, earaches, rashes, prescription refills, eye infections and general minor complaints. The decision to visit the clinic is based on several considerations. Patients who have a Physician or Nurse Practitioner are encouraged to contact them initially for guidance. The Physician/Nurse Practitioner and Community Paramedic model for this clinic allows for an average of 11 patients daily (data sourced from week of Dec. 10-16, 2023).
“Community paramedics play a crucial role in enhancing healthcare access and the Seasonal Care Clinic in conjunction with CKHA has proven to be an effective method in assisting patients in the municipality of Chatham-Kent. Community Paramedics often engage in initiative-taking healthcare and addressing health issues before they escalate, helping reduce the stress and anxiety for those who require healthcare," said Peter Morassutti, Manager of Mobile Integrated Health Programs, CKEMS.
The overall goal of the clinic is to treat lower acuity patients in a timely manner, saving capacity and resources for higher acuity patients within the Emergency Department. Since launching the clinic, CKHA and CKEMS have been able to assist over 300 patients (data as of Dec. 20) in meeting their needs efficiently and effectively.
“Having limited access to walk-in clinics within the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, the Seasonal Care Clinic provides an alternative for patients to seek timely care for their respective needs while reducing any fear and undue stress of an Emergency Department visit," said Peter.
Feedback for the clinic, both on social media and through a patient survey, has been generally positive thus far.
“We've received many wonderful comments since launching the clinic; one in particular was from a mother of two young children. The clinic provided the convenience to get in and out quickly to treat her child's illness and also eliminated a potentially stressful visit and longer wait time in the Emergency Department," said Natalie.
The effectiveness of the Seasonal Care Clinic to date is a prime example of the strong partnership, leading innovation and collaboration between CKHA and CKEMS.