Residents of Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, who are without a family doctor can get help for minor health issues this month as Nova Scotia Health brings its mobile primary care clinics to town on select Sundays and Wednesdays in July. No appointment is needed.
The drop-in clinics run Sundays July 5 and 19 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Wednesdays July 8, 15, 22 and 29 from 5:30 to 8:40 p.m. at the Medical Arts Building, Suite 302, 42 Glen Allan Drive. The service is a practical option for the many people on the South Shore still waiting to be matched with a family doctor or nurse practitioner.
As of June 1, more than 60,500 Nova Scotians were on the Need a Family Practice Registry, an increase of 386 from the previous month. That is about 5.5 per cent of the province’s population.
The Bridgewater clinic treats non-urgent problems such as sore throats, earaches, fever, rashes, urinary tract infections, and muscle pain. It also handles prescription renewals, except for controlled substances. However, the clinic cannot order bloodwork or X-rays, give immunizations, or fill out medical forms.
People who need emergency care should still go to South Shore Regional Hospital at 90 Glen Allan Drive, which operates as a district trauma centre with medical, surgical, intensive care, obstetrics, and mental health in-patient beds. The mobile clinic relocated in December 2024 from the South Shore Community Health Centre to provide an indoor waiting space for patients.
Transportation to the Medical Arts Building is available through Bridgewater Transit, Lunenburg County Wheels, and Rural Rides. Residents can also call 211 Nova Scotia for help finding community resources and supports.
