New Montreal North Clinic Enhances Local Health Care Access

A newly opened clinic in Montreal North is transforming health care access for local residents. The CLSC and Family Medicine Group began operations in mid-August 2023, addressing a significant gap in health services within the densely populated area. This facility combines multiple health services, including a dentist’s office and optometry, all under one roof—a first for the community.

Located on Albert-Hudon Boulevard, the clinic operates as a walk-in facility but offers a broader range of services that residents previously had to seek elsewhere. According to Geneviève Bérard, the community-based services coordinator, this integrated model allows patients to receive comprehensive care in one visit. “It’s the first time that we see this with the optometrist, the dentist, and all the services that we have,” she said during a tour provided to CTV News.

The clinic has been open for approximately six weeks and is set to be fully operational by the end of September 2023. Bérard highlighted the clinic’s “no wrong door” approach, which ensures that patients are assessed by a nurse or social worker upon arrival. This assessment helps direct individuals to the appropriate health professional based on their specific needs.

One of the clinic’s first patients, Johanne Audette, expressed relief at finally securing a family doctor after a five-year wait. She described the facility as “beautiful, clean, and organized,” reflecting the positive reception among the community. The regional health authority conducted a study which revealed a critical shortage of health-care services in the northeast part of the borough, particularly for low-income residents. Bérard emphasized the importance of this new clinic, stating, “We wanted to be sure to offer those services, like, we have a population here that has low income.”

The establishment of this clinic not only addresses existing health care deficiencies but also sets a precedent for similar facilities across Quebec. Bérard believes that replicating this model could significantly improve access to health services for more residents in the province. As the clinic continues to evolve, it represents a hopeful step towards a more integrated health care system in Montreal North.