Primary Care
When the Health Centre was first established in 1987, there was only one physician in the North End of Hamilton. Although things have changed since then, barriers still remain for many of our clients. Our focus is to provide medical service to people who are not getting the access to healthcare they deserve and need. Providing good healthcare to such a diverse group of people is possible because of our multi-disciplinary team approach. This team includes:
Family Physicians provide medical services to each member of the family. The Family Physician provides preventative and health maintenance services regardless of age, sex or type of medical problem. Because of the close relationship with the patient and family, the Family Physician is best qualified to serve as the patient's advocate in health related matters, including appropriate access to health services, consultants and community resources.
Physician Assistant supports physicians in a range of healthcare settings. Physician Assistants are trained anatomy, physiology, microbiology, biochemistry, pathology, pharmacology and behavioural sciences and always work under the direction of a physician and provide client care.
Nurse Practitioners are advanced registered nurses with additional education and experience. Nurse Practitioners diagnose and treat illness and injuries, do physical checkups, order tests, prescribe medication, and make referrals. Nurse Practitioners provide a unique holistic approach to care.
Registered Nurses/ Registered Practical Nurses work with other members of the healthcare team to manage healthcare concerns.
Pharmacist Consultant. Compass Community Health was one of the first CHCs to integrate specially trained pharmacists into family practice sites. The Pharmacist has three key areas of responsibility: direct patient care, consultation with the primary care team and communication for enhancement for drug related systems.
Respiratory Educator facilitates the Primary Care Asthma Program. The Respiratory Educator works together with the client and their Primary Care provider to guide treatment, to diagnose and provide education for managing lung disease and support for smoking cessation.