Sooke’s new medical clinic open for clients

An expansion of Sooke’s West Coast Family Medical Clinic is expected to increase its capacity to serve about 300 patients a day in the growing community.

The clinic anticipates the expansion will also allow it to connect 4,250 people who are without a family doctor to consistent primary care.

“People need reliable access to health care close to home,” said Premier John Horgan.

“This new clinic will deliver primary health care for people in the fast-growing community of Sooke and the surrounding area.”

An annual commitment of $1 million by the province, announced last year, will support the addition of five new health-care professionals, including two family physicians, two nurses and a nursing practitioner.

The new staff members will join a team of nine family doctors, one registered nurse, a social worker, a dietitian and 11 administrative staff. Most are expected to be hired by August, with full staffing likely by early next year.

“The development of a multidisciplinary clinic in Sooke has long been a dream of mine and many before me,” Dr. Robin Saunders said at a news conference to announce the official opening of the expanded clinic. Saunders has been a family physician in Sooke for nearly three decades.

Island Health provided $600,000 in funding to support a renovation and expansion of the building, which officially reopened June 12. “This is good news for the residents of the Sooke region,” said Layton Engwer, a patient-care representative.

Sooke Mayor Maja Tait said the expansion will provide necessary medical services close to home for those in her community.