Temporary Primary Care Access Clinics Open in Fort Erie and Port Colborne

This summer, residents of South Niagara have more options to access care for minor health issues thanks to new Primary Care Access Clinics launching in Fort Erie and Port Colborne.

These clinics are a collaborative initiative supported by Bridges Community Health Centre, Niagara Medical Group, Portage Medical, Welland McMaster Family Health Teams, the Niagara Ontario Health Team – Équipe Santé Ontario Niagara, and Ontario Health. They were created in response to the temporary summer closures of Niagara Health’s Urgent Care Centres in Fort Erie and Port Colborne.

What to Expect

The clinics will operate on select dates from July through mid-September, offering primary care access (no appointment needed) to anyone permanently residing in Canada who needs help with non-emergency health issues—the kinds of concerns you’d typically take to your primary care provider.

Health care professionals will be onsite to treat a variety of minor concerns, including:

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Cough, cold, and flu symptoms
• Sore throats
• Minor sprains and strains
• Rashes or skin irritations
• Mild abdominal or digestive issues
• Minor infections
• Wrist, knee, or ankle injuries (without visible break)

What the Clinics Can’t Provide

The clinics do not have the equipment or staffing for urgent or emergency-level care, including:

• Narcotic prescriptions
• Casting or treatment of fractures and joint dislocations
• Stitches or treatment of cuts/lacerations
• IV fluids or medications
• Emergency allergic reactions
• Continuous monitoring of ill patients
• ECG or heart monitoring
• Severe nosebleeds
• Blood tests or specimen collection
• X-rays or ultrasound
• Eye injuries or trauma
• Complex forms, such as ODSP/CPP application forms, CRA disability tax credit forms, insurance forms, etc.

If your condition is serious or life-threatening, please call 911 or visit the nearest Emergency Department:

• Welland Hospital (65 Third St.)
• Niagara Falls Hospital (5546 Portage Rd.)
• St. Catharines Hospital (1200 Fourth Ave.)

This is a True Community Effort

“Access to timely care is important for everyone. These clinics are a community-based response addressing the needs of our residents, and we are proud to be part of the solution.”

Taralea McLean, Executive Director of Bridges Community Health Centre

“This initiative shows the power of partnership and local leadership in action. By bringing together health care professionals from Bridges, Niagara Medical Group, Portage Medical, Welland McMaster, and regional health partners, we’re helping to ensure that residents in Fort Erie, Port Colborne and nearby communities have access to primary care close to home through the summer.”

Tara Galitz, Executive Director of the Niagara Ontario Health Team – Équipe Santé Ontario Niagara