Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening of VON's New Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic in Saugeen Shores

On Thursday, February 27 the Victorian Order of Nurses (VON) and the Town of Saugeen Shores celebrated the grand opening of the new Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic in Saugeen Shores. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to commemorate this milestone, with Deputy Mayor Diane Huber and Davina Wong, Associate Vice President, Home and Community Care at VON, officially opening the location. 

“We know that primary care is essential to the improvement and sustainability of overall health in our communities,” said Davina Wong. “The creation of this clinic has been a partnership, built on the mandate to bring more primary care opportunities to this community. We have been pleased to partner with Ontario Health, the Town of Saugeen Shores, the Grey-Bruce Ontario Health Team, and the Primary Care Network.” 

The relocation and expansion to 662 Gustavus Street in Port Elgin from the previous Southampton Clinic location was made possible by new funding from Ontario Health. This support has enabled the clinic to grow from two nurse practitioners to four, and to add a social worker, a registered nurse, and a medical secretary to the team. In addition, the new clinic space is shared with an independent pedorthist, SoleScience, as well as VON’s Assisted Living and SMART (Seniors Maintaining Active Roles Together) programs.  

“The new downtown Port Elgin location is a welcome expansion of services in our community,” said Deputy Mayor Diane Huber. “Our Council recognizes the importance of accessible healthcare services, and we are committed to investing in initiatives that improve the well-being of our residents. The Town of Saugeen Shores is proud to have supported this initiative.” 

The clinic is designed to serve Saugeen Shores residents who do not currently have a primary care provider. Through Health Care Connect, VON is able to identify individuals in need of primary care and, upon completion of the intake process, offer them the opportunity to become permanent clients of a nurse practitioner, up to the clinic’s maximum capacity. To further support residents without a primary care provider, same-day urgent services are also available.