Winkler’s newest medical centre cut the ribbon Friday to celebrate its first year of operations.
The Winkler Medical Clinic, located at 2-344 1st St., opened its doors last June with five Winnipeg doctors who take turns driving out to see local patients.
“The welcome that we’ve received in the community is great,” said Dr. Dorothy Ogunlana.
Joining Ogunlana at the practice are Drs. Akin Akinsola, Ehi Oseghale, Daniel Frimpong, and Kweku Essilfie-Quaye.
The group heard about the need for doctors in the Winkler area, including from some of the patients at their Winnipeg practice who were driving in from Morden-Winkler to see them.
“A group of us came together and said we could do this,” Ogunlana said, noting not only would it be better for their existing patients but also help meet some of the needs of the growing community. They have built relationships with many new patients over the past year, she said, and have room to see more.
“We’ve found out that most patients have not seen doctors for years, comparing to Winnipeg where they have access to doctors,” Ogunlana said. “We found out that, in the rural area, it’s different.”
They offer both booked medical appointments and a walk-in clinic.
“We’re just so happy to have you here,” noted Morden-Winkler MLA Carrie Hiebert in her remarks ahead of the ribbon cutting. “It meets such an important need. It takes a lot of the pressure off the local doctors that we already have here. It just helps our community, helps the citizens in our community have an option.”
“You have made a difference in Winkler, and we’re appreciative of that,” noted Mayor Henry Siemens. “We thank you for that commitment to our community.”
