Manitoba

Number of QuickCare clinics about to double in Winnipeg

Construction on a new QuickCare clinic is set to begin in west Winnipeg with the aim of reducing wait times at nearby Grace Hospital.

Construction of two other clinics in Winnipeg, in Southdale and Seven Oaks, is also underway

Winnipeg currently has three QuickCare clinics, including this one on St. Mary's Road and Horace Street. (Google Street View)

Construction on a new QuickCare clinic is set to begin in west Winnipeg with the aim of reducing wait times at nearby Grace Hospital.

Construction of two other clinics, in Southdale and Seven Oaks, is also underway. Once complete, the three latest clinics will bring the total number in the city to six. As well, two more are available in communities just outside Winnipeg — one in Steinbach and one in Selkirk.

QuickCare clinics are staffed by registered nurses and nurse practitioners who diagnose and treat minor health issues, helping people avoid unnecessary trips to an emergency room.

These clinics are part of a broader provincial plan to ensure any Manitoban who wants one will have a family doctor or nurse practitioner by the end of 2015, Premier Greg Selinger said Monday.

"With more than 150,000 patients seen to date, QuickCare clinics are a true primary care success story for Manitoba," added Health Minister Sharon Blady.

The Winnipeg West QuickCare clinic, which will be located Portage Avenue at Westwood Drive, is expected to be ready to welcome patients in early 2016.