People in the Digby area without a family doctor have a new health clinic for primary care.

With help from the province, South West Health officially opened the clinic today, Jan. 10.

"We know that there are many people in the Digby area without a doctor, who were forced to rely on their local emergency department for primary care services," said MLA Jim Morton on behalf of Health and Wellness Minister David Wilson.

"The goal of the new health clinic is part of our Better Care Sooner strategy to give regular access to a doctor for a significant population in the Digby area."

The clinic, at Digby General Hospital, will have a doctor and family practice registered nurse available by appointment every Monday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Additional clinic days are expected to be added as more physicians and primary-care providers become involved.

"Through this clinic, we can provide opportunities for physicians, who may not want a full-time practice, to come serve our patients in an established health-centre setting," said Dr. Alenia Kysela, vice-president, medicine for South West Health. "Once they are here providing regular services, we hope some will be encouraged to stay.

This will be the first step toward a collaborative care model of providing service in the new health centre, which is being developed in Digby."

People in the Digby area without a family physician or primary care provider can make an appointment by calling 902-245-2502, extension 3282.