Although many patients are desperately looking for a family doctor, the phenomenon of private clinics with nurses is gaining momentum in Quebec.
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Clinique Sante 360 was created five years ago in L’Assomption and is staffed only by nurses. Doctors only come there a few days a week depending on the needs of the nurses.
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“There are many clients who come to the clinic who have a family doctor but can’t reach them,” explains Claire Debre, coordinator of Clinic Sante 360. “Our goal is to start a new model and show that nurses can come in. Support doctors more than people are allowed to do.
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The site includes specialized nurse practitioners, clinical nurses, nurse technicians and practical nurses.
“I’ve had pneumonia for a month and it’s not going away,” explains Nathalie Jonet, a patient at the clinic. “So we decided to come to the private clinic instead of waiting until 9pm in the emergency room.”
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As Quebec supports free health services, many wonder about the need for these private clinics and worry about their growth.
“Currently, these clinics do not have a contract with RAMQ,” explained Luc Mathieu, president of the Order of Nurses in Quebec. “Patients who go to see these nurses have to pay out of pocket and that’s a problem, because it goes against the principle of universal care.”
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The Department of Health has no statistics on the number of such clinics in Quebec.
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