New Clinic Opens at St. Boniface Hospital to Reduce ER Wait Times

A new clinic is set to open at St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg this week, aimed at alleviating the strain on emergency room services that have faced significant wait times. The extended-hours primary care clinic will officially begin operations on September 13, 2023, according to a press release from Manitoba Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara.

The clinic will operate year-round, offering services on weekdays from 17:30 to 23:30 and on weekends from 13:00 to 23:30. It will be staffed by a multi-disciplinary team that includes physicians, registered nurses, and primary-care assistants, along with access to laboratory and X-ray services. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to provide more immediate care options for patients who may not require emergency interventions.

During a press conference, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew discussed the clinic’s potential impact. He noted, “There are many individuals seeking care in hospitals or emergency rooms who might only need to see a primary-care provider.” Kinew emphasized that the clinic will provide an alternative for those who do not need emergency services but still require medical attention.

Current data from the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority indicates that emergency room wait times have been a growing concern. On September 8, St. Boniface Hospital reported an average wait time of 12.5 hours, while the Health Sciences Centre recorded wait times exceeding 14 hours. As of Tuesday afternoon, the wait time at St. Boniface had increased to 13 hours, with the Health Sciences Centre close behind at 12 hours.

The ongoing challenge of prolonged emergency room waits has been a significant point of frustration for patients in Winnipeg, prompting calls for improved access to primary care. Asagwara stated, “Our health does not adhere to a 9-to-5 weekday schedule, and neither should our health care. This new clinic provides more options for Manitobans managing busy lives.”

Since assuming office in 2023, the NDP government has initiated similar extended-hour clinics at locations including Grace Hospital, Concordia Hospital, and Victoria Hospital. Patients will be able to book same-day appointments at the new clinic via the website https://medinav.ca/.

As the healthcare landscape evolves, this new clinic at St. Boniface Hospital represents a significant step toward ensuring that residents of Manitoba have timely access to the care they need without overwhelming emergency services.