On Tuesday, April 26th, COOP Santé Hemmingford Et Région will host its members’ general assembly at 6:30pm, followed by an open house at 7:15pm at the newly renovated Hemmingford Saint Andrew’s United Church.
Everyone is invited to attend, receive information, and register to join the COOP, which intends to fill a void in the healthcare system in the Hemmingford region.
Currently, access to basic health services in the area is difficult. For a minor emergency, such as a blunder requiring a tetanus shot, the options are limited. If you can’t access a family doctor or receive a next-day appointment with a CLSC, the choices are driving to Anna-Laberge in Chateauguay (ranked as one of the province’s worst for average waiting times) or Barry Memorial in Ormstown, where wait times aren’t much better. Aside from being a drag, visiting Emergency for a minor need also clogs the system for those truly in peril.
There’s also currently a crisis for those needing routine services, Secretary Treasurer Sylvie Dubuc explains, “If you need a B12 shot every month, then you need to drive 25 or 30km to get it. What if you don’t have a vehicle and need a taxi ?” The situation is untenable.
With a mission to change this reality, the COOP was formed in March 2014. The project then struggled to find a venue and was to be housed in another building when, at the final moment, the Saint Andrew’s congregation came forward and donated their church. Services will continue in the separate rectory. An experienced architect worked to retain key elements of the building, such as the beautiful stained glass windows and the original wooden ceiling. The building is now fitted with three examining rooms, one with an adjoining office built with a doctor in mind. Board member Tina Calvarese says, “When you walk in, you really feel a sense of peace.”
Currently the COOP has one nurse, Nicolas Poissant-Gilbert; the future plan is to have a doctor on site. The COOP can address minor emergencies and routine health maintenance, such as blood testing and administering medications. Nicolas is one of the Quebec nurses recently bestowed with the right to prescribe some medications and run tests. He says, “You want to be seeing a doctor for things that you really need. We’re striving for a higher quality of communication.” Access to health prevention information will also be available on site and providing more services, such as massage, are future plans.
How does it work? Everyone is welcome to join, even those with a family doctor. New members pay a one-time cost share and a yearly membership fee. All services will also be available on a drop-in basis for a fee. The COOP currently has 200 members and can accept more. More information at: https://www.facebook.com/coopsantehemmingford
