For many people living in Ardmore and the surrounding area, seeing a primary care provider often means travelling to another community. A new proposal hopes to change that.

The M.D. of Bonnyville heard a presentation Tuesday outlining plans for the proposed Ardmore Family Health Clinic, a nurse practitioner-led clinic designed to improve access to healthcare for rural residents while creating a long-term healthcare hub for the community.

Nurse Practitioner Mary Obstfeld and Licensed Practical Nurse Jeena Cabay presented the proposal to council, asking for a letter of support and financial assistance to help establish the clinic. Council accepted the presentation as information and directed administration to bring both requests back to a future meeting for consideration.

Filling a gap in rural healthcare

Obstfeld said the idea comes as rural communities continue to face physician shortages, transportation challenges and an aging population that requires more ongoing medical care.

Ardmore was chosen because it currently has no medical clinic and is centrally located, easily accessible to surrounding communities.

Rather than trying to build a large healthcare centre all at once, the proposal takes a phased approach.

The clinic would begin with one nurse practitioner, one licensed practical nurse and two examination rooms, providing comprehensive family healthcare for at least 900 patients. If demand grows, additional healthcare providers and services could be added over time.

A different model of care

Unlike a traditional doctor’s office, the proposed clinic would operate under Alberta’s Nurse Practitioner Primary Care Program.

Nurse practitioners can diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications, order tests and imaging, manage chronic diseases, perform minor procedures and refer patients to specialists.

The clinic would place a strong emphasis on preventive care, chronic disease management, and building long-term relationships with patients, rather than focusing solely on treating illness.

Helping residents stay close to home

A significant focus of the proposal is supporting seniors and helping people remain in their own homes and communities as they age.

Services would include medication reviews, care coordination, chronic disease management and early intervention. Future plans could also include home visits for patients who are unable to travel, along with partnerships with other healthcare providers and community organizations.

The presenters also suggested a community-owned model for the clinic. Under that concept, the municipality would own the building while provincially funded healthcare providers would operate from the facility. They said this approach creates a lasting healthcare asset that remains in the community even if providers eventually retire or relocate.

Looking ahead

The estimated startup cost for the clinic ranges from $60,000 to $125,000, depending on the space selected, renovations and equipment needs. Similar community-supported healthcare models have already been adopted in several Alberta communities, including Wembley, Thorhild County, Saddle Hills County, Grande Cache, Bashaw and Hinton.

No decision was made on funding during Tuesday’s meeting.

Instead, council directed administration to prepare a future report on the request for both municipal funding and a letter of support before deciding whether the M.D. will become a partner in bringing the Ardmore Family Health Clinic to the community.