Interior Health has opened a new maternity clinic across from Kelowna General Hospital, inside the Dr. Walter Anderson Building.
With funding from the Ministry of Health, the Central Okanagan Maternity Clinic is filling a major gap in healthcare in the area.
Director of Primary Care Luke Brimmage said it’s been nine months in the making and the doors officially opened Dec. 5.
“It’s really exciting, because as time went on there was a greater need and growing number of unattached moms looking for care with no place to go.” “Unattached” refers to people who do not have a family doctor.
The clinic saw a number of patients on its first day, reaffirming the need for pre- and post-natal care.
“Having a baby is one of the most exciting times in the lives of families, and for some it can be stressful when the health needs of the family are more complex, making it important that they are supported with comprehensive services throughout their pregnancies,” said Interior Health President Susan Brown. “Providing consistent and sustained support helps build a foundation for healthier families in the years ahead.”
The clinic is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Physicians will be available during off hours for deliveries and emergencies.
“It was a core group of physicians that really drove the need… and were really happy and willing to work with Interior Health to make it happen,” Brimmage said.
The clinic will be able to support approximately 30 deliveries each month.
This is the only dedicated maternity clinic in the Central Okanagan. Expecting moms can be referred to the clinic by a family doctor. Those without a doctor are encouraged to call the clinic for self-referral.
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