Ontario is calling for applications for 14 new Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinics as part of the government’s commitment to increase access to family health care.

The call for applications closes on June 25, 2010. The new clinics will be awarded in the summer of 2010.

New Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic applicants will be selected from groups or individuals from across the province such as registered non-profit organizations, local community-based organizations and nurse practitioners that:

• Improve access to quality family health care by providing comprehensive, accessible, and coordinated services to populations who do not have access to a primary care provider

• Meet local patient needs through enhanced health promotion, disease prevention and chronic disease management

• Demonstrate their ability to be operational within a reasonable timeframe

• Support the provision of French language health services, where applicable

Nurse practitioner-led clinics offer a team-based approach to frontline health care. Nurse practitioners are able to treat common illnesses and injuries, and order lab tests, X-rays and other diagnostic tests. They can also refer patients to specialists. They will work with doctors, nurses and other health care providers at the clinic.

Expanding the number of Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinics is a key part of the government’s Open Ontario Plan to provide more access to health care services while improving quality and accountability for patients.