New Flu Assessment Clinic to Lighten Load

For Release
October 29, 2009

WHITEHORSE – Beginning tomorrow, Whitehorse residents who think they may need medical treatment for influenza will have another option to calling 811, visiting their physician or going to the hospital.Health and Social Services Minister Glenn Hart announced today that the government is establishing a flu-assessment clinic at Taiga Clinic.

“Influenza activity in Yukon is on the rise,” Hart said. “Medical clinics and the emergency room at the hospital are seeing more and more patients. A dedicated flu-assessment clinic will relieve the pressure on the clinics and hospital and make it easier for people to be assessed by a doctor.”

The Taiga Clinic, located at 210 Elliot Street, will be open to flu patients from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week. The clinic will be staffed by physicians and support workers from other clinics. If there is sufficient demand, clinic hours can be extended with 24 hours notice.

“One of our public health messages is that if you are sick, stay home and stay away from others to keep from passing on the virus,” Medical Officer of Health Dr. Brendan Hanley said. “But we do want to ensure that people have access to a doctor when they need one. We also want to protect patients from unnecessary exposure to the H1N1 influenza virus while seeing their family doctors for other medical reasons.”

However, patients will have the option to see their own doctors, according to their availability and advice.

“The department and physicians are working together to increase our capacity to provide medical services during the pandemic,” Hart added.

The flu assessment clinic will be drop-in. No appointments will be required.

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Contact:
Emily Younker
Cabinet Communications
867-633-7961
emily.younker[at]gov.yk.ca

Pat Living
Communications, Health & Social Services
867-667-3673
patricia.living[at]gov.yk.ca