Nelson Walk-In Medical Clinic Facing Closure

February 15, 2012

The owner of our region's only seven-day-per-week walk-in medical clinic says he could be forced to shut his doors in May because of physician staffing shortages.

Dr John Dale says he's already spoken with Mayor John Dooley and is appealing to civic and provincial representatives for help in keeping the Kootenay Lake Medical Clinic in Nelson open. It is located in the Chakho Mika Mall.

Dale says handouts on display at the clinic are also meant to get the public on board in enlisting support from local doctors, noting the more physicians sign up to help, the less work each individual will have to commit to. He's looking for a group of doctors to enter a co-ownership arrangement.

The clinic has been a significant and vital service to the area for many years. More than 50,000 patients have been registered there since it opened in the mall in 1998.

Dale - who is retiring due to health reasons- says one potential buyer has stepped forward with an interest in the facility.

For more info head to www.nelsonwalkin.com