Services will benefit patients without a family doctor

THUNDER BAY—The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care has announced about $1 million in new funding to expand services provided by the NorWest Community Health Centre and the Atikokan Family Health Team.

In an announcement Monday, the government said the NorWest Community Health Centre will use its funding to serve unattached (no family doctor) and complex patients in Thunder Bay including those with multimorbidity, mental health and addictions needs, and seniors, in addition to Indigenous clients and new immigrants.

Expanded services include chronic disease education and management, smoking cessation and harm reduction, as well as programs specific for LGBTQ, seniors and Indigenous populations.

The Atikokan Family Health Team will expand service to unattached and complex clients in the District of Rainy River, including those with low socioeconomic status, multimorbidity and the Indigenous and rural populations.

An estimated 700 additional patients will be rostered from the expansion, in Atikokan with services including chronic disease management, mental health and addictions, and palliative care.