During their recent Open House, Hardisty Town Council told residents about changes at the Hardisty Medical Clinic.

CAO Sandy Otto explained the Clinic project in more detail, advising that the town took over the clinic when Dr. Botha left, hiring locum Dr. McKenzie.

“We needed to make sure our local drugstore and hospital stayed open,” she said. “We needed to keep our community viable.”

She explained how the clinic operations will move forward from here, adding, “Our new doctor is here, and will soon be able to start his practice.”

Otto said the town’s long term plan for the clinic was to form a board or foundation to run it.

Dr. David, the clinic’s newest permanent physician, is from South Africa, and comes to Hardisty with his wife and two small children. He recently completed his practicum training in Grande Prairie.

“He has indicated to us that he wants to be part of the community, and that he loves rural Alberta,” Otto said.

At present, she explained, the clinic has two full time positions shared by four part-time staff. It has two offices, with examination rooms for both doctors.

As well, a Camrose PCN nurse is located in the clinic for patient care.

Otto indicated, “The old operating room is the reception for the clinic. We may take part of that and make another office if we get more doctors, and we do have another one knocking.

“We need to be open to new possibilities. We are exploring our options going forward.”

Otto had high praise for the Camrose PCN, which she credits for providing services locally that would normally require a trip to the city.

She also indicated that the town continues to work with Alberta Health Services adding, “They plan to continue to work to keep our community sustainable.

“They see the investment we have put in; it’s a great partnership.”

Otto said, “The clinic is costing us money, but it is critical infrastructure, something we have to invest in to keep our communicate viable.”