TRURO, N.S. – Nova Scotia Health Authority has established two new clinics for people who do not have a family doctor or nurse practitioner to receive care for their more immediate primary health care needs in Truro and New Glasgow. 

 

The clinics will be operational April 6 through June 30, 2020, as a temporary measure to provide care for people who do not have a primary care provider during the pandemic.

 

“These clinics are for those who have already added their names to the Need a Family Practice Registry, as an interim option to receive care other than local emergency departments,” said Dr. Aaron Smith, interim medical executive director, Northern Zone, Nova Scotia Health Authority. “As we continue to prepare our facilities to care for patients with COVID-19, these clinics will be available to meet the immediate health care needs of those who do not currently have a family doctor or nurse practitioner. Anyone who does not have a primary care provider can add their name to the registry online at needafamilypractice.nshealth.ca.”

 

The majority of the appointments provided by the family doctors and nurse practitioners working at the two clinics will be virtual, either by phone or video. Patients who need an in-person appointment will also be seen, as determined by the primary care provider. 

 

The clinics provide same day or next day primary medical care for those who have an illness, injury, or more urgent health condition that requires prompt treatment, such as:

People with flu-like symptoms (fever / sore throat) or a new or worsening cough should complete the COVID-19 self-screen available at 811.novascotia.ca, and then call 811 for advice, rather than make an appointment at one of these clinics.

 

All appointments at the primary care access clinics for unattached people must be arranged by phone. People who do not have a primary care provider and who are on the registry should call:

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Media Contact:
Provincial media line: 1-844-483-3344 
NSHAmedia@nshealth.ca