Health centre open

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Although it's only been open for a few weeks, members of the four Hobbema bands have beat a path to the door of the new Hobbema health centre, says its new assistant director.

"We are really getting a good response," said Linda Dumkee who added that the convenient location of the new centre has saved band members the long and often exhausting journey to Edmonton.

"We even have a kidney dialysis machine," said Dumkee adding that Hobbema residents with kidney problems used to travel to Edmonton University hospital for this treatment.

The new centre was officially opened Sept. 17 by the four chiefs and regional director Jim Moore after four years of work by the Hobbema health board.

Now two doctors hold clinics at the Centre each Monday, Wednesday and Friday and five nurses, two of who are Native are on call each day.

Residents can also check in for dental check-ups as there is a dental department open five days a week.

"We generally look after the day to day health problems of the residents of the four bands," said Dumkee. "But we do have an emergency clinic should the need arise."

Although the centre only started operation recently, plans are going ahead to introduce a home care program in which trained personnel from the centre will visit frail or disabled patients in their own homes.

"We also have pre-natal classes and baby care classes," said Dumkee adding that many other proposals are still in the planning stages.

The new red brick building covers 12,000 square feet and boasts friendly consulting rooms and an inviting waiting room.

"We've tried to make the Centre as welcoming as possible," added Dumkee.