The terrifying prospect of falling ill in Victoria

Our family of four moved back to Canada from living in the United States. I was thrilled to be moving back to a place where I could get access to “free” health care. I no longer have to worry about co-pays, or difficult-to-understand hospital bills.

It turns out that while I might not have to worry about the costs of health care, I have to worry about something even more basic, getting access to high-quality care. There is a severe shortage of primary-care providers in Victoria.

My family, like many others in this city, does not have a primary-care provider and have been told to use a walk-in clinic.

Walk-in clinics are not designed for primary care. It is dangerous to assume that a walk-in clinic would co-ordinate a specialist visit or follow up on a test result. That is why I am terrified of getting sick in Victoria.

It would be nice if hiring family physicians were the answer, but it’s not. Let’s start working on other solutions that will provide the gateway into the health-care system, along with the co-ordination, continuity and evidence-based practices that people need.

Let’s work to expand the role of nurse practitioners and registered nurses and increase the use of telemedicine in primary care. Walk-in clinics are not the answer. You cannot afford to be complacent with your health. Kambria Ernst, RN Victoria