Alberta Indigenous Virtual Care Clinic celebrates the successful launch of their new service

News release

December 11, 2020 — Edmonton, Treaty 6 Territory, Alberta — Indigenous Services Canada

COVID-19 is impacting all aspects of our lives, from working from home to seeking medical help when needed. This is especially true for individuals in remote or isolated areas. As the pandemic continued to evolve, it was recognized that patients, in particular those living in remote areas, were in need of better healthcare access while still respecting public health guidelines and avoiding travel. With technical and operational support from the First Nations Technical Services Advisory Group Inc., the Alberta Indigenous Virtual Care Clinic is now able to offer health care services virtually, officially launching on December 1.

Today, the honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services Canada, joins the physicians at the Alberta Virtual Care Clinic and the First Nations Technical Services Advisory Group Inc. in celebrating the successful launch or their new service.

Presently there are 17 physicians who are seeing patients via the Alberta Indigenous Virtual Care Clinic. Many of the physicians are Indigenous or have experience with Indigenous health and cultural safety, and have worked years with Indigenous patients. The clinic strives to provide same day care to rural and urban First Nations, Inuit and Métis via secure video or phone service.

The Alberta Indigenous Virtual Care Clinic is an example of innovation in the delivery of Indigenous centered health care ensuring that remote or underserviced individuals can access health care services in a timely manner.

Quotes

"Access to timely, high quality health care is essential. The Alberta Indigenous Virtual Care Clinic is an example of how innovation in health care continues in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Congratulations to all of the individuals who have worked tirelessly to make this concept a reality in such a short time. The difference it will make to Indigenous Peoples in Alberta is immeasurable."

The Honourable Marc Miller
Minister of Indigenous Services

"When TSAG was initially contacted about supporting the creation of the Alberta Indigenous Virtual Care Clinic we agreed that it was a service that was needed, however, supporting a medical clinic was something we had not done before. The team at TSAG came together, developed a plan and implemented it and within four months the clinic was operational. I want to thank the amazing people we have at TSAG and our physician partners for making this happen. This clinic is going to positively impact many Indigenous people and we are proud to have a played a role in its creation."

Chief Stanley Grier
Chief's Steering Committee, First Nations Technical Services Advisory Group Inc.

"I am grateful to all partners who have brought the Alberta Indigenous Virtual Care Clinic to life. The clinic will provide additional access to culturally safe primary care, both in rural areas and for underserved urban Indigenous populations. This is a very exciting step we're taking to improve access and remove barriers to care for Indigenous persons across our province."

Dr. Esther Tailfeathers
Alberta Health Services Senior Medical Director, Indigenous Wellness Core