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May 25, 2011

Walden Clinic Celebrates

May 25th Grand Opening


Local dignitaries, community partners and the City of Lakes Family Health Team gathered together on May 25th to celebrate the grand opening of their new Walden Clinic.

MPP Bartolucci, Mayor Matichuk, Dr. Chris McKibbon and Dr. Katie Richardson paid tribute to the many people and organizations that contributed to the successful opening of the clinic. The Northern Ontario School of Medicine, the Sudbury Regional Hospital, the City of Greater Sudbury and the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-term Care were lauded for their commitment to primary care in the community.

Councillor Barbeau was recognized for his contribution as a local champion for the completion of the clinic. Other local groups recognized at the event were the Walden CAN, the Walden Art Club, the CCAC and several city staff who were directly involved in the development of the clinic.

The family of the late Risto Laamanen was in attendance to honour his memory. Risto was a founding member of the inaugural Board of Directors. Board member and emcee Andrew Dale, announced that a multi-functional space in the clinic will be called the Risto Laamanen Education Room.  This room will be a learning centre for medical residents, other interdisciplinary learners as well as patients.

The clinic is home to four new physicians and recent graduates of the NOSM Family Medicine program. They will work collaboratively with a team of interdisciplinary providers including a nurse practitioner, a registered nurse, a registered dietitian, a social worker and a pharmacist. The team will serve up to 6,000 orphan patients who previously did not have access to a primary care giver.

Residents who are without a family physician and would like to become a patient at the clinic are encouraged to register with the Ontario Health Care Connect program by calling 1-800-445-1822.