Blackburn News published an article June 8, 2023
By Janice MacKay
The Kincardine Family Health Team (KFHT) is considering the Ripley Medical Center’s future use, along with the expansion of primary care services to that community.
The KFHT and Huron-Kinloss employees met to explore the requirements of the neighbourhood and a potential full-time presence at the Ripley Medical Clinic.
The Kincardine Family Health Team staff and services would be rotated across that location according to funding. Council heard that many Huron-Kinloss residents would benefit from access to health care that was closer to where they lived.
However, Huron-Kinloss staff told council the Ripley Medical Centre will need to undergo a variety of improvements and repairs before it can resume offering medical services. The services offered by the Family Health Team would be very beneficial to Huron-Kinloss citizens, especially those who don’t have a family doctor or have other barriers to accessing healthcare services in other communities.
“Our team is recommending a full review and floor plan design that will create a space that is functional, clean, safe and accessible for the long-term. If we are already replacing the carpet with flooring that is easier to clean, removing drywall to increase sound-proofing, and widening hallways to make the building accessible; it makes sense to review the floor plan to ensure we are using every square inch of the Center in the best way possible,” Mary Rose Walden, Chief Administrative Officer, said in a report to council.
The Kincardine Family Health Team is requesting financing from Ontario Health in collaboration with the Ministry of Health so they may offer more services in the area. The entire Township of Huron-Kinloss and the entire Municipality of Kincardine fall under the boundaries of the Kincardine Family Health Team, but services are currently predominantly provided in Kincardine.