Virtual Clinic Keeps Alberta’s Indigenous Community Connected

TDS News
Indigenous
COVID-19
Western Canada
December 12, 2020

Alberta Indigenous Virtual Care Clinic celebrates the successful launch with help from federal government.

COVID-19 is impacting all aspects of our lives, from working from home to seeking medical help when needed. This is especially true for individuals in remote or isolated areas. As the pandemic continued to evolve, it was recognized that patients, in particular those living in remote areas, were in need of better healthcare access while still respecting public health guidelines and avoiding travel.

With technical and operational support from the First Nations Technical Services Advisory Group Inc., the Alberta Indigenous Virtual Care Clinic is now able to offer health care services virtually, officially launching on December 1.

Virtual Clinic Keeps Alberta's Indigenous Community Connected

Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services Canada, joins the physicians at the Alberta Virtual Care Clinic and the First Nations Technical Services Advisory Group Inc. in celebrating the successful launch or their new service.

“Access to timely, high quality health care is essential. The Alberta Indigenous Virtual Care Clinic is an example of how innovation in health care continues in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Congratulations to all of the individuals who have worked tirelessly to make this concept a reality in such a short time. The difference it will make to Indigenous Peoples in Alberta is immeasurable.” The Honourable Marc Miller
Minister of Indigenous Services

Presently there are 17 physicians who are seeing patients via the Alberta Indigenous Virtual Care Clinic. Many of the physicians are Indigenous or have experience with Indigenous health and cultural safety, and have worked years with Indigenous patients. The clinic strives to provide same day care to rural and urban First Nations, Inuit and Métis via secure video or phone service.

The Alberta Indigenous Virtual Care Clinic is an example of innovation in the delivery of Indigenous centered health care ensuring that remote or underserviced individuals can access health care services in a timely manner.