Primary health care support in Edmonton and area for evacuees from Fort McMurray and surrounding areas

EDMONTON, May 5, 2016 /CNW/ - The Edmonton area Primary Care Networks (PCNs) and their affiliated clinics are able to help those displaced by the fires in Northern Alberta with their primary health care needs.

For Immediate & Temporary Needs

1. Prescription and Prescription Refills: The easiest step is to visit the closest community pharmacy for most prescriptions or refills. Those who may require narcotics, or controlled drugs containing opiates or benzodiazepines will need to consult with a doctor.
   
   
2. Short term health care needs: Family doctors working out of hundreds of clinics throughout Edmonton are concerned and willing to help those impacted by the fire. Find a full list of PCN affiliated clinics near you at www.pcnpmo.ca/findadoctor. If you are experiencing difficulty finding a family doctor, please contact Health Link at 811.

Longer Term or More Complex Needs
For those with a chronic health disease, require mental health support or end up permanently relocating, there are 292 family doctors in Edmonton and the surrounding area who are accepting new patients. To find a doctor, visit www.edmontonareadocs.ca where you can sort by postal code, or by language or gender of the doctor. If you are experiencing difficulties in finding a family doctor who will see you, please contact Health Link at 811.

"Our hearts go out to those affected by the tragedy in Fort McMurray and surrounding area," says Dr. Justin Balko, PCN Physician Leads Executive, Edmonton Zone. "We are here to help look after your health care needs."

Primary Care Networks are joint ventures between family doctors and Alberta Health Services and exist to provide better healthcare supports and programs for patients.

Edmonton Zone PCNs: Alberta Heartland PCN, Edmonton North PCN, Edmonton Southside PCN, Edmonton Oliver PCN, Edmonton West PCN, Leduc Beaumont Devon PCN, St. Albert and Sturgeon PCN, Sherwood Park and Strathcona County PCN, and Westview PCN.

SOURCE Primary Care Network Program Management Office

Image with caption: "Primary Care Network Program Management Office (CNW Group/Primary Care Network Program Management Office)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160505_C4543_PHOTO_EN_684140.jpg

For further information: For media enquiries please contact: Alexis Caddy, Manager, Communications, Primary Care Networks Program Management Office, Telephone: [phone], Email: [email protected]