The Grande Prairie Primary Care Network is settling in to its new digs. All of its services were moved into the Oak Ridge Business Centre near the entrance to Royal Oaks, and it officially opened its doors on July 6th.
Their offices had been in two buildings on 97th Avenue since the after-hours clinic and chronic pain program opened in early 2014. Executive director Samantha Semograd says the separation caused confusion and other issues.
“Now that we’re under one hub, it creates that really true medical home for patients where we’re able to expand and provide better services each year as we go on.”
So far, Semograd says they’ve gotten positive feedback from both staff and patients, hearing the new space at 104-11745 105 Street is friendly, relaxed, and clean. She explains it’s also barrier-free.
“Our previous building was not. Although we had some elevators, they were always broken, so it’s more accessible for patients with disabilities.”
“The washrooms are accessible and door frames, [and it’s] all on one level,” adds communications specialist Judd Dowhy. “No more stairs, no more elevator.”
The location is also bigger and brighter, with an additional six clinic rooms. That means there’s space to expand to add more doctors, nurses and nurse practitioners. A third doctor is expected to join the after-hours clinic this winter to keep up with demand.