P.E.I. government considers new health clinic for Crapaud

Health Minister Doug Currie says the province is considering a new health clinic in Crapaud.

In the P.E.I. Legislature Wednesday, the area's MLA and P.E.I. Green Party LeaderPeter Bevan-Baker tabled a petition with 800 signatures asking for a new clinic, and Currie responded that talks are underway.

"We did meet with the leader of the third party, with the committee from Crapaud," said Currie.

"We are working with the group from Crapaud, looking at ways that we can be cost-neutral."

Will include nurse practitioners

Bevan-Baker told the legislature that local general practitionerDr. Henk Visser plans to retire in the next few years, and the new model being proposed would include nurse practitioners.

He said the community is considering financing renovations to a community-owned building to accommodate the new clinic.

"Not only will it be revenue-neutral, but it could save the government money by removing 500 patients from the waiting lists ... and reducing emergency visits at our hospitals," said Bevan-Baker.

Currie said the new clinic will be part of a broader sustainable health care model for the province.

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"We really like the model that's being presented," responded Currie. "I really respect the fact that this is a model that shows innovation, and a model that is sustainable in the area."

Currie said he's already directed Health PEI to add four more nurse practitioners to the Island's current ranks, which number 14.