Nova Scotia Health launches mobile primary care service​ ​

**** NSHA Media Release

Nova Scotia Health launches mobile primary care service​ ​

​ ​ Nova Scotia Health is launching a mobile primary care clinic in partnership with EHS and local communities. Its first location is in Sydney on Thursday, Sept. 29, at Seventh Exchange, (Churchill Drive Extension, Kenekala Court, Membertou, Exit 7A off of Highway 125) from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Future dates and hours will be announced. Care will be provided by nurse practitioners. There will be team members offering care virtually as well. This is a temporary service to ensure we are bridging a gap for primary care services currently being experienced in this area. We know gaps in access to primary care exist across the province. We are starting this service in Sydney as one of the areas most affected by Hurricane Fiona. Types of concerns that may be addressed at the mobile primary care clinic include:

• Prescription refills or renewals
• Minor respiratory symptoms
• Sore throat
• Earaches
• Fever
• Headache
• Rashes
• Minor gastrointestinal concerns (vomiting and diarrhea)
• Cough, flu or cold symptoms
• Urinary tract infections
• Muscle pain
• Minor pelvic pain or abdominal pain

The clinic cannot address urgent or life-threatening concerns. You will need to call 911 if you are experiencing any of the following:

• Stroke/facial weakness
• New onset of weakness
• Heart attack/chest pain or tightness
• Unable to wake/unconscious
• Sudden onset of severe headache or confusion
• Seizure and/or severe head injury
• Major assault
• Severe difficulty breathing or trouble speaking
• Uncontrolled or severe bleeding
• Major trauma such as loss of limb or laceration
• Severe allergic reaction
• Severe burns

There will not be access to lab or diagnostic imaging services at the mobile clinic. If your care needs extend beyond primary health care, you will need to seek care at an urgent treatment, an emergency department or call 811. Upon arrival, you will be registered and will be provided with an appointment time. You may need to leave the parking lot and come back for your estimated appointment time.​ Please have your health card ready upon arrival and bring a list of your medications.​ The number of appointments each day is limited. A COVID screening will be part of your registration process. Additional stops for the mobile clinic will be announced in the future.

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