Dan Krebs is a physiotherapist who has always worked in a private practice background. He's now a firm believer in the benefits of being part of a multidisciplinary team, where many types of medical professionals work together in the same space to provide well-rounded care that people need.
Team work, makes the dream work, as they say.
Since starting at the Urgent and Primary Care Centre, Dan and his colleagues have gained a greater understanding for each other's areas of practice and how to best utilize the different strengths on the team to help patients.
Urgent and Primary Care Centres (sometimes called UPCCs), are a great care option if you have a non-life threatening condition and need to see a health professional within 24 hours. They are designed for the communities they serve, and for that reason, so each of the seven UPCCs in Interior Health is a bit different.
The one thing they all have in common is providing people with team-based care.
“We want everyone to know we are here and able to provide urgent care to those in need. We treat a wide array of ailments in a welcoming environment. We have physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, physiotherapists, social workers and medical office assistants, so whatever is ailing you, you will get the right care at the Urgent and Primary Care Centre,” says Dan.
“We treat lots of different ailments, from sports injuries such as a sprained ankle to infections, back or abdominal pain, nausea and dizziness, ear aches, cuts that require stitches… the list goes on. Think of us like a step down from the emergency department or like an advanced walk-in clinic. If you need same-day care, give us a call.”
Patient care room
In Penticton, the Urgent and Primary Care Centre is located at 101-437 Martin Street. It provides care to the entire community as do several walk-in clinics, plus Penticton Regional Hospital.
To make the facility a welcoming space to people of all cultures and backgrounds, the team at the Penticton UPCC partnered with the Ooknakane Friendship Centre as well as Penticton Indian Band on different aspects of the clinic. It’s a partnership that has been very meaningful.
Last month, both groups hosted an event at the Residential School Memorial on the traditional territory of the Pentiction Indian Band for the members of the UPCC. During the event, participants shared stories and information about the impacts of inter-generational trauma and how the Penticton UPCC could provide compassionate care to both the Indigenous community and the community as a whole.
“It was an amazing event that I think a lot of the people who attended are still processing,” said Suzanne Moccia, who works for Interior Health. “We have a great relationship with the Penticton Indian Band and the friendship centre and we are looking forward to becoming more involved in health-care community here , as people get to know what we offer.”
