Calling it an example of "finding innovative ways to help our healthcare system evolve," a celebration has marked the opening of Toronto Western Family Health Team's (TW FHT) Garrison Creek site.
Member of Parliament Julie Dzerowicz, UHN's Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer, Mike Nader, and TW FHT Board Chair Jan Barnsley were among those commemorating the event to recognize the contribution the clinic will make to the well-being of its surrounding neighbourhood.
"Since becoming an MP, more and more people have voiced their concerns to me about health issues," MP Dzerowicz, whose Davenport riding includes the clinic, told the crowd at Tuesday's celebration.
"As people experience more chronic illness, they want to be cared for at home. So, I am thrilled to welcome this clinic in the community and commend UHN and the Family Health Team for finding innovative ways to help our healthcare system evolve."
Toronto Councillors Cesar Palacio (Ward 17) and Joe Mihevc (Ward 21) presented a plaque to the team on behalf of the City to recognize the contribution and services that will be provided to the growing community. Councillor Palacio said he looked forward to enrolling in Garrison Creek as a patient.
Garrison Creek, located in the St. Clair and Oakwood community, is dedicated to supporting the primary care needs of the community through an interdisciplinary team consisting of 12 family physicians, four registered nurses, two social workers, a nurse practitioner, dietician, pharmacist, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, respiratory therapist, mental health worker, chiropodist and health promoter.
Since it officially opened on March 6, the clinic has rostered more than 1,100 patients and overseen 3,200 patient visits, serving the catchment area from Eglinton Ave. W. in the north, Spadina Ave. to the east, Dupont Ave. to the south and Keele St. to the west.
A clinic made possible through combined funding and support from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, the Toronto Central Local Health Integration Network (TC-LHIN), and UHN, Garrison Creek will provide primary care as well as develop health promotion and education programs to best serve the area, improve the health status of patients and their families, support health care efficiency and contribute to the well-being of the neighbourhood.
"Garrison Creek is a great example of the benefit of investing in family health," Mike Nader said. "I am so pleased to see us expand the continuum of care to provide services that help patients avoid hospitalization, stay in their homes and support UHN's priority to provide the right care, in the right place at the right time."
For more information, visit the Toronto Western Family Health Team website.
