Primary care teaching clinics will be part of Brampton medical school

Additional funding from Queen’s Park will support the operation of Toronto Metropolitan University’s (TMU) two primary care teaching clinics at its new medical school in Brampton.

In an announcement today (May 7), the Ontario government said the funds for the Brampton clinics are part of the province’s latest investment of up to $60 million in funding this year, which will support the early capital planning for new and expanded primary care teaching clinics.

TMU is planning to open its new medical school in Brampton in September with a first class to include 94 undergraduates and 105 postgraduates.

Today’s news for Brampton was part of a broader announcement by the province to introduce the Primary Care Act, a legislation to establish a framework for its publicly funded primary care system for residents of Ontario to know what they can expect when accessing primary care services, no matter where they live.

Primary care is considered to be the first point of contact for patients seeking a wide-range of health needs and can include routine check-ups, treatment of common illnesses, preventative care, and management of chronic conditions. Primary care providers can be doctors or nurse practitioners who can assist in coordinating care and referring patients to specialists.

“This first-of-its kind, nation-leading legislation marks a major step forward in our plan to protect our health care system and connect everyone in Ontario to a family doctor and primary care team,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “Primary care is the foundation of our health care system, and we are establishing our government’s vision for a primary care system that improves access to care and empowers people with the knowledge and tools to increase their well-being.”

The Ontario government says it will spend $300 million overall to build up to 17 new and expanded community-based primary care teaching clinics in communities with high rates of unattachment to primary care. The clinics will combine direct patient care with hands-on learning for primary care learners, with the goal of allowing approximately 300,000 additional Ontarians to be connected to primary care.