Number of QuickCare clinics about to double in Winnipeg

Construction on a new QuickCare clinic is set to begin in west Winnipeg with the aim of reducing wait times at nearbyGrace Hospital.

Construction of two otherclinics, inSouthdaleand Seven Oaks, is also underway.Once complete, the three latest clinics willbring the total number in the city to six. As well, two more are available in communities just outside Winnipeg one in Steinbach and one in Selkirk.

• Manitoba opens 5th QuickCare clinic in St. Vital neighbourhood

QuickCareclinics are staffed by registered nurses and nurse practitioners who diagnose and treat minor health issues, helping people avoid unnecessary trips to an emergency room.

These clinics are part of a broader provincial plan to ensure any Manitoban who wants one will have a family doctor or nurse practitioner by the end of 2015, Premier GregSelinger said Monday.

"With more than 150,000 patients seen to date, QuickCare clinics are a true primary care success story for Manitoba," added Health Minister Sharon Blady.

The Winnipeg West QuickCare clinic, which will be located Portage Avenue at Westwood Drive, is expected to be ready to welcome patients in early 2016.