Primary Health Care Centre to be built just north and west of the Eastman Education Centre building.

Steinbach is getting a Primary Health Care Centre. Bethesda Wellness Incorporated, an arm of the Bethesda Foundation, initiated the project in partnership with the province, Southern Health, Steinbach Family Medical Centre, the City of Steinbach and the Steinbach Campus Foundation. Darrel Penner, the Chair of Bethesda Wellness, explains what a Primary Health Care Centre is.

"It's more than just a clinic. It involves physicians, nurses, dieticians, social workers, potentially spiritual care, public health physiotherapy and pharmacy. It's sort of an all inclusive facility that will allow people to work together, provide advice and give treatment in one building."

Penner says, just like the Crisis Stabilization Unit on Main Street, the Primary Health Care Centre land and building will be owned by Bethesda Wellness Inc. He adds the new centre will be built in behind the Eastman Education Centre with access both off of Loewen Boulevard and from Stonebridge Crossing.

"There's a lot of work to be done. We were waiting for this announcement. We started the subdivision process for the land probably back in January or February. There's actually a Zoning application that needs to be done first and we're hoping we get clearance by the end of June. The subdivision will be fast-tracked with construction to start shortly thereafter."

Penner says they hope to start construction late this year or early next year with completion in late 2015 or early 2016.

"Today is  a big day for the Bethesda Health Community. The province actually came out and announced its support for this project which has been more than two years in the making."

Health Minister Erin Selby says, "This new clinic will have an increased number of health services available to families giving them greater access to primary care and a team of health-care providers who will work with them bringing them care closer to home."

Kathy McPhail, CEO, Southern Health-Santé Sud, adds, "We celebrate this initiative which is a testament to the collaboration of multiple partners. In addition to enhancing navigation of the health-care system, it will further the development and delivery of co-ordinated primary care services in Steinbach.  This model of primary care will also assist the region with increased availability and integration of health-care disciplines with the ultimate goal of providing person-centred care."

 

Sketch showing approximate location of Primary Health Care Centre