Calgary Walk In Clinics Are Often The Only Hope For The Under Privileged

By Jordan Schmidt


When accidents occur or when disease strikes everyone wants high quality medical care. There are many world class hospitals in every city, but the sad fact is that these facilities are restricted to those that can afford them. Only those with medical insurance or that have ample cash reserves have access to the latest treatment methods and the best doctors. Those that cannot afford such services must depend upon Calgary walk in clinics.

This type of medical facility is very broadly defined. In some cases there are small facilities inside super markets. These are normally staffed by nursing personnel. Other facilities focus on emergencies and trauma. Yet others are operated by charities. There are also a number of community health services. Prices differ wildly, often depending upon the type of staffing they enjoy. Some are free of charge, however.

Various facilities offer different types of services. Some specialize in urgent care and emergencies while others only provide very rudimentary services. Some institutions are staffed by nurses only. There are many of these medical facilities and families without medical insurance should take the trouble to ascertain themselves of just where the are and what services they offer. In this way no time will be wasted when medical attention becomes a priority.

The main advantage of these facilities is the fact that they are either free or very affordable. There are approximately eleven thousand such services country wide. Patients do not need an appointment. They can simply present themselves and services are very seldom refused. In most cases patients are seen on a first come first served basis. Of course, true emergencies will always receive preferential treatment.

Unfortunately, many of these facilities have to tend to large numbers of patients. This result in long queues and sometimes very long waiting periods. In addition, due to limited staff and facilities, patients are rushed through. In many cases patients cannot be helped simply because the facility does not have the equipment, medication or skilled staff necessary to deal with the problem at hand.

Many critics slam these medical facilities as utterly inadequate for even very basic health care. They cite the facts that many facilities do not even have an attending doctor, that basic diagnostic tools are seldom present and that the range of medication offered to patients are rudimentary. Critics say that the staff at any of these facilities only had very basic training and that they should not be allowed to attend to patients without supervision.

Many doctors have also criticised these clinics. They say that it is not possible to provide adequate long term health care if there is not a relationship between the doctor and the patient. The result is that patients are often given very basic treatment for a seemingly small problem that may actually be indicative of a much more serious condition.

Nobody will argue the fact that proper health care for all should be a national priority. At present, the poor and needy simply have to make do with what is on offer. Ideally, every citizen should be able to depend upon quality care when they need it. In the meantime, affordable and free medical facilities fulfil a very urgent need.




About the Author: