New clinic for kids providing hospital alternative

The County of Simcoe's Social and Community Service Building in Orillia on Tues. Sept. 17, 2024 (Dave Sullivan/CTV News Barrie).

As hospital emergency departments continue to be overwhelmed amidst an ongoing shortage of physicians in Ontario, there's a new Orillia operation hoping to ease the pressure.

Earlier this month, a new clinic opened at the County of Simcoe's Social and Community Service office on West Street North.

Being spearheaded by the Huronia Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic (HNPLC) and the Couchiching Ontario Health Team (COHT), the clinic is meant explicitly for children.

"Our goal is to provide high-quality, timely care for children and to support families by offering a reliable alternative to the emergency room," Malcom Morum, the executive director of HNPLC, said in a news release. "With the help of the pediatric emergency department diversion funding, we can ensure that our young patients receive the care they need when they need it most."

The clinic first started seeing patients on Sept. 6. One of its main goals is to provide families with an alternative to the hospital for various minor ailments.

Both the County and Orillia Soldier's Memorial Hospital have partnered in the new initiative that will primarily provide acute care for non-emergency conditions.

"The Couchiching Ontario Health Team is thrilled to strengthen our collaboration with local primary care providers, including the Huronia Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic, as we work together to expand access to care within our community," Jillian Fenik, the executive director of COHT.

Primary care teams, like the COHT, include many health professionals, including doctors, nurse practitioners, registered and practical nurses, physiotherapists, social workers and dietitians.

An online booking portal is available for patients.