Primary Care Network stands ready to help Fort McMurray residents

CALGARY, May 5, 2016 /CNW/ - Primary Care Networks (PCNs) in Calgary and the surrounding area are ready to help displaced people of the Fort McMurray fires by offering options to be seen by a family doctor.

Fort McMurray residents that need to be seen for non-urgent care, can call Health Link at 811 to access a Calgary and area Primary Care Network clinic to assist them with their health needs.

Health Link can refer a caller to a Calgary PCN clinic offering after-hours care and also open seven-days-a-week, or to clinical resources available in the surrounding area.

Primary Care Network provincial lead and family physician, Dr. Phillip van der Merwe wants the residents of Fort McMurray to know that we have their back. "Our hearts go out to this community and hopefully we can play a role by helping people with their immediate medical needs whether it is refilling a prescription, health concern follow-up or for mental health – we are there for you."

A plan for displaced Fort McMurray residents is also underway in the Edmonton region with details forthcoming. The Edmonton zone Primary Care Networks have been coordinating efforts with the Alberta Health Services emergency operations centre and gathering a list of available PCN physicians.

The Wood Buffalo Primary Care Network was able to notify patients with email addresses on file about options for their medical needs at neighboring regional PCNs.

SOURCE Calgary West Central Primary Care Network

Image with caption: "Calgary West Central Primary Care Network (CNW Group/Calgary West Central Primary Care Network)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160505_C6937_PHOTO_EN_684019.jpg

For further information: or an interview with Dr. van der Merwe, please contact: Bart Goemans, Senior Manager, Communications, CWC PCN (Calgary Zone), 403-510-7631, [email protected]