West Kootenay residents in need of a doctor can now connect with the newly established Kootenay Boundary Access Clinic, KB Access for short.
The clinic opened on January 13 and is part of Prima Health Cooperative’s plans to provide primary care, as-needed and by appointment, for residents of the Kootenay Boundary region who do not have a family doctor or nurse practitioner. This initiative is an important step toward improving healthcare access in the region and easing pressure on emergency departments.
“Over 17,000 people in the Kootenay Boundary region do not have access or don’t have a family doctor and so this is a way that they can get access to care through our clinic.” said Patricia Dooley, Chair of Prima Health Cooperative.
The clinic is open to anyone who currently does not have a family doctor in the Kootenay Boundary region, including those from Rock Creek, Midway, all the way through to Nelson, Trail, Castlegar, Kaslo and the Valley.
“As long as you’re not registered and don’t have a family doctor, you can get an appointment with our clinic.”
There are currently 12 doctors working out of the site.
“They’re all current practicing doctors in the Kootenay Boundary who have found a way to give up some time. So, it might be an afternoon, it might be a day, but they’re on a rotation.” said Dooley.
“We also have a dedicated nurse practitioner and a medical office assistant.”
The first appointment is virtual with a nurse practitioner and then the patient is connected with the doctor on shift that day.
Dooley says it feels great to be making a difference to local people.
“We’ve already had so many stories of people that don’t have a family doctor, who can get very nervous, so it’s been just wonderful to hear the stories and to hear people talk about the fact that they were able to get an appointment, they didn’t have to go to the emergency room where sometimes they wait for three or four or even six hours.”
“We have been going for two and a half weeks now and the feedback has been phenomenal.”
KB Access aims to reach 10,000 people per year reducing pressures on emergency departments.
“This clinic is a vital step forward for our region. It offers a much-needed option for people without a primary care provider and helps reduce the strain on emergency rooms. It also serves as a place for patients to follow up after an emergency visit to support continuity of care.” said Dr. Shelina Musaji, Medical Director for KB Access Clinic.
Hybrid Care Model for Accessibility & Flexibility
KB Access Clinic offers a hybrid model of virtual and in-person care, making services more flexible and accessible.
Virtual visits (telephone and video) are available to patients across the Kootenay Boundary with in-person visits have started in a Nelson location, with plans to expand to Castlegar and Trail as the clinic grows.
“The KB Access Clinic represents what we can achieve throughout the region when we come together with a focus on serving patients who don’t have a family practitioner. It is not just about providing care; it is about innovative thinking and building a system that works for everyone. On behalf of the Prima Board, I extend my congratulations and thanks to the practitioners and partners who have made the clinic a reality.” said Dooley.
Real Stories, Real Impact
Local resident Lorraine Bell-Lebedoff, who has been without a family doctor for several years, shared her relief.
“For patients without a family doctor, navigating the healthcare system is incredibly challenging and stressful, especially for those with complex needs. When you’re sick and vulnerable, having to retell your story over and over again just adds to the burden. Finding out about KB Access felt like winning the lottery—finally, there’s a place to turn for care when it’s needed. My experience was wonderful—the doctor truly listened, took the time to understand the bigger picture of my health, and showed such genuine care, even coordinating with emergency care when I needed it. This clinic is going to change lives—not just mine, but so many others in the same situation.”
Hours of operation
KB Access Clinic will operate five days a week, offering primary care with a mix of virtual and in-person appointments. Patients are invited to visit kbaccess.ca for more information and online booking options.
Patients who don’t have a family doctor or nurse practitioner are encouraged to sign up for the Health Connect Registry at kbhcr.ca to be matched with available providers as spaces open. KBScreen.ca offers virtual, age-related routine screenings, and the KB Patient Resources listing at bit.ly/KB-Unattached includes resources and services to help patients navigate the healthcare system and access the care they need.
