Big River Clinic May Substitute Nurses For Doctors

Big River Clinic May Substitute Nurses For Doctors

Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at 16:19

Some changes are being proposed for the Big River health clinic.

For years, the clinic has tried to find doctors willing to stay and work in the community.

Right now, one doctor from Shellbrook has been looking after things, while two others work on a contract basis.

However, during a recent meeting, a local committee from Big River suggested staffing the facility with a contingent of nurse practitioners.

Linda Bergen, a spokeswoman for the Prince Albert Parkland Health Authority, says that under the proposal, the clinic wouldn’t have any doctors.

However, it would feature more nurses and expanded hours, so it could deal with minor ailments more effectively.

Bergen says it will be many months before any answer is given about the idea.