The Renfrew County Virtual Triage and Assessment Centre (RC VTAC) will continue to offer service for at least the next year.
Provincial Minister of Health Christine Elliot says the ministry has committed funding to the Centre until March 31st, 2023. RC VTAC has helped residents without access to a family doctor receive primary care since the start of the pandemic. According to the County of Renfrew, it has also relieved pressure on the healthcare system.
Both Warden Debbie Robinson and Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MPP John Yakabuski welcomed the move. Yakabuski called the service an innovative solution to dealing with both the pandemic and the family doctor shortage. He adds the efforts of RC VTAC have been supported by both Premier Doug Ford and the Minister of Health.
According to Warden Robinson, over 1600 people call RC VTAC every week to speak to a doctor. She adds 25 percent of residents in the county do not have access to a family physician.