Canada's Manitoba Government has unveiled plans to establish a new minor injury and illness clinic at Grace Hospital in Winnipeg.

The plans were announced by Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara.

By opening the new minor injury clinic, the government said it aims to enhance primary care access and alleviate emergency room congestion.

The latest announcement comes as the province’s government issued a request for proposals (RFP) for the management of the new clinic, which is scheduled to open in September.

This clinic will operate on a model similar to existing facilities on Corydon Avenue in Winnipeg and in Brandon.

The deadline for RFP submissions for the Grace Hospital clinic is 28 August 2024.

In addition to the Grace Hospital clinic, the government has confirmed its plans to develop a similar facility in the Misericordia Hospital.

This new Misericordia Hospital facility is being established to replace the hospital’s closed urgent care centre.

The RFP deadline for the Misericordia Health Centre is set for 24 July 2024.

According to Asagwara, the clinic will be staffed by physicians and healthcare professionals who will offer support for minor health issues, including minor injuries.

It will provide both walk-in services and the option for same or next-day appointments.

Designed to cater to the needs of families, the clinic will operate seven days a week, with extended hours.

This development is part of Manitoba's broader strategy to improve healthcare service delivery and patient experiences.

Asagwara said: “We are delivering on a promise made to Manitobans to invest in primary care and provide more options for non-urgent healthcare because Manitobans should not have to wait for hours to have a health need attended to. 

“Having new locations able to address minor ailments and cast, stitch, diagnose, and test will take a lot of pressure off our emergency departments, make better use of emergency department resources and offer improved service to Manitobans.”