Quinte West residents can expect better access to more coordinated health care services now that the new Community Health Centre is open, said Shelia Braidek.

The Executive Director and colleagues at the new Belleville and Quinte West Community Health Centre along with local dignitaries cut the ribbon on the long-awaited $14.5 million building on Friday afternoon.

The bright 17,000 square foot space offers primary health care, physiotherapy, chiropody, dietitian and nutrition counselling, mental health services, health promotion and prevention as well as disease management.

"This has been a long time coming and we are super excited that today is finally here and we are in this fabulous new space," said Sheila Braidek, Executive Director in an interview.  

Having a health care hub located across the street from Trenton Memorial Hospital means a more robust range of service in Quinte West, she explained.

"It means we are going to have a space where other organizations are going to be able to work to use the space as well," Braidek stated. 

Adam Handley, a respiratory therapist said they are able to diagnose lung diseases such as COPD and asthma "in-house so it prevents people going to the pulmonary function lab at the hospital."

"It provides access to patients sp they don't have to go to the hospital as often for this type of testing," he explained.  "To be able to offer that diagnostic testing in primary care is pretty amazing."  

"We are looking forward to having organizations like addictions and mental health services, public health, home community care services and others live here as well as part of the hub," added Braidek.

Heather McColman is a social worker at the centre and said their team is partnered with mental health supports throughout the community such as Providence Care and Youth Hab.

"It's important to have those community partnerships so programs do run," she said.  

Currently, they are organizing an LGBTSQ+ youth leadership group this May to align with PRIDE. 

"We are looking forward to offering a service to 16 to 24-year-olds and partnering with other groups such as Say It Loud and TRANSForum Quinte," McColman said.  "It's never just me doing the work.  It's me and community partners." 

During the event, Bay of Quinte MPP Todd Smith announced the province will commit an additional $200,000 to the project to assist with construction to house the future programs Braidek mentioned.

"This community health centre really can be at the centre of our strategy for improved health care delivery offering the care that is close to home by the appropriate healthcare professionals," Smith said.  "That proactive care that is so important in keeping a wide spectrum of community members healthy and out of crises that result in the hospital admissions next door."

“We are extremely pleased to be able to officially open our new Quinte West facility today," said Brad Harrington, BQWCHC president.  "We so appreciate the Ministry of Health’s investment in community health infrastructure in general and this space particular.  It’s been a long time coming and we are excited about what it makes possible in our community.”  

The province of Ontario invested $14 million towards the construction of the new facility with the remaining $480,000 construction cost covered through the sale of the two properties and the City of Quinte West.  Construction delays pushed back the opening of the 14.5 million dollar facility last year.  Staff moved into the new facility and began welcoming clients shortly after.  Friday's event provided an opportunity for local dignitaries and health officials to tour the space.