Bridging the gap for those without a family doctor in CK

The Chatham-Kent Ontario Health Team (CKOHT) and its partners have launched a new primary care clinic in Chatham.

BridgeCare is a primary care clinic for those who don’t have a family doctor or nurse practitioner.

No appointments are needed, as it is a walk-in facility, but only a limited number of patients can be served each day.

As of Saturday, July 8, the clinic will be open on weekends at 20 Emma Street in Chatham on the second floor — Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Anyone attending should bring a valid health card and your medications.

Ailments and concerns that BridgeCare doctors will treat include:

• Ear, throat, or stomach pain, urinary tract infections, rashes

• Minor joint injuries, sprains and strains

• Chronic condition management and medication refills (i.e. diabetes, hypertension, COPD, asthma)

• Cancer screenings (i.e. Pap tests for cervical cancer, colorectal cancer screening, mammograms)

• Preventive and general health assessments including blood work and imaging as appropriate

CKOHT reminds patients that appointments at BridgeCare are the same as a family doctor visit, but this does not mean you will become a permanent patient of the doctor you see.

A MobileCare Clinic will also be available throughout July, serving various communities across Chatham-Kent.

It is a free walk-in service and will be staffed with a Nurse Practitioner, Social Worker and Community Paramedic.

You can find the schedule for July by clicking here.