Primary health care refers to basic, everyday health care. Primary health care could be visiting the family doctor, nurse or nurse practitioner, talking to a dietitian or a pharmacist, or getting education on things like diabetes. It also can involve counselling and care coordination. It is usually your first encounter with a health care provider when you need care or advice.

Primary health care is about:

• Preventing people from becoming ill or injured
• Managing chronic conditions
• Making the most effective use of health provider expertise
• Treating acute and episodic illness
• Efficiency and co-ordination
• Access
• Individuals playing an active role in their own health care
• Understanding that factors outside the health system influence individual and community health

A Nurse Practitioner (NP) is a nurse with extra training. She/he can diagnose and treat common health problems. Our Nurse Practitioners work at the health centre full time.

The chiropodist provides foot care for clients at the centre. The chiropodist treats foot problems such as corns, bunions, calluses, warts, flat feet and heel spurs. The chiropodist provides information on proper footwear, foot care for children and seniors, people with diabetes, seniors, and those who are physically active.

Community dietitians work with groups, families and individuals to support healthy eating including heart health, healthy weight, growth and development for babies and children, healthy eating for diabetics, and other dietary needs.