By Myrina Carter
The Thorhild County Family Medical Clinic is located at 801 1 Street in Thorhild, Alberta, on the north end of the Thorhild County Administration building. The clinic is open to anyone, no matter where they are from or live. The clinic includes a nurse practitioner who is available by appointment.
Colleen Cartier, Nurse Practitioner said, “When the only physician practicing in the hamlet of Thorhild closed his clinic in December of 2017, County Council took steps to open the Thorhild Medical Family Clinic on April 10, 2018, using the services of a physician from a nearby community who has attended the clinic one day a week. Since the departure of the part-time physician in December of 2019, the nurse practitioner has solely operated the clinic.”
What is a nurse practitioner? They are individuals who are trained and have undergone advanced university education to diagnose, assess, order, and issue medical tests. Nurse practitioners are also available to prescribe medications and collaborate in the care of patients, as well as provide primary care and urgent care services. Also offering stitching, injections and biopsies, as well as completing medical, disability and WCB assessments.
The Thorhild County Family Medical Clinic provides regular Pap clinics for women needing to obtain information on their cervix. The main goal is to look for precancers and changes in cervix cells that could lead to cancer if not treated. The Thorhild Clinic also provides regular flu clinics allowing people to update their flu shots and vaccines. This helps protect you if you have been exposed to a virus and helps prevent you from getting extremely sick from flu complications. Pap and flu clinics are available regularly at multiple times throughout the year and are associated with the Aspen Primary Care Network. Hearing clinics are held once a month and offered at the Thorhild Clinic, which allows individuals to get their hearing checked and in order. A hearing test can help you find the answers you’ve been searching for, especially if you have hearing issues.
Colleen Cartier said, “Upon opening, the clinic has welcomed over 7,300 patient appointments. Nearly half the patients face challenges accessing healthcare. Thorhild County offers a unique solution to its citizens through the services of a nurse practitioner within the municipal administration building. Thorhild County is committed to ensuring that the health and well-being of its citizens remain a priority.
If you need to book an appointment with the Thorhild County Family Medical Clinic, call them at 780-398-4633 or drop in at 801 1 Street, Thorhild and book with them today.
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