A proposed medical clinic for the military

A campaign is underway to establish a Nurse Practitioner Health Care Clinic for military families and veterans in the Quinte Region.

The proposal is a collaboration of the VON Canada, VON Trenton and the Military Family Resource Centre at CFB Trenton.

It was outlined at a meeting of Hastings County Council on Thursday.

Spokesman Brian Smith, an Honourary Colonel of 424 Search and Rescue Squadron, pointed out that without primary health care, veterans’ medical treatment for any issues that arise due to their service in  the military is ceased.

This prohibits them from receiving referrals for other specialized care, ongoing monitoring and access to required medication.

He noted that 1,700 spouses, 3,000 children and 18,000 veterans “call Quinte their home.”

“Twenty-seven percent of military families do not have access to primary health care compared to 15% of civilian families.”

Smith continued, “Once established, the case may be made for a second clinic at another location in Ontario. But our end goal is to provide all military families and veterans with persistent access to primary care through clinics near every military base in Canada. Why are we doing this? To provide military families and veterans with consistent access to primary care, leading to better access to secondary and tertiary care.”

“It would remove, and I’m sure this is important to us, remove 3,200 patients without primary care from the local Quinte region health care system, reducing the burden on local resources.”

Smith told councillors that a clinic would reduce the pressure on local health care resources.

He emphasized that no monetary support is being required or requested. The clinic would be 100% funded by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care.

He hopes for a decision by the province at budget time this spring.

County Council agreed to write a letter of support to the province.