Primary Care Outreach Clinics

What is the Primary Care Outreach Clinic (PCOC)?

The PCOC is a PMH-run interdisciplinary primary care clinic with two locations, one in Dauphin and the other in Swan River.

Using a harm reduction approach the clinic is focused on providing comprehensive primary care to persons who experience barriers accessing their medical system due to substance use and social inequalities.

The provision of Primary Care is facilitated by a Registered Nurse, Addictions Services Counsellors and Physicians with links to specialists in Winnipeg. There is emphasis on local access to addictions medicine as well as sexual and reproductive health services and supports.

What is addictions medicine?

Addictions medicine is team based medical assistance to reduce or stop substance use that a person has identified is harming their health and wellbeing. This may include prescription of medications to diminish cravings and works well with the establishment of strong therapeutic relationships with resource mobilization in support of a person’s desire to improve and protect their health.

Who are the team members?

Physician clinics are held on Tuesdays in both Dauphin and Swan River. In each clinic, a Registered Nurse will support clients with their primary care that may include care management, treatment monitoring and adjustment, connecting to specialist care and linking with community resources.

Important partnerships include: community pharmacies, Family Physicians, Public Health Nurses, Community Mental Health Workers, First Nation’s health teams, Canadian Mental Health Association, Employment and Income Assistance and others.

How to access services

A referral form can be faxed to either Dauphin or Swan River PCOC or a person or family can contact/attend the clinic and request to make an appointment with the nurse. The Nurse discusses the client’s immediate needs and makes every effort to connect them with appropriate services.