The new TRU Health Clinic is a great community resource for TRU students and the community at large, said executive director Ray Sanders.
“I don’t know of another university or college clinic in B.C. that is open to the public,” Sanders explained during an interview at the clinic’s official opening Monday evening.
He said TRU is the only health clinic on a B.C. university campus that is open to both students and the public.
Creation of the clinic arose out of needs determined for the university and in the community.
In particular he said there was a need at the university for a clinic to meet the needs of the international students who attend TRU as well as a need for a clinic that people who don’t have a family doctor could easily access.
“We started looking at the needs we had,” Sanders said. “We wanted to be a community university and also needed a lab connection for our nursing students, and even our business students.”
He was proud to say TRU’s nursing program has a 100 per cent pass rate on provincial exams.
He is also thankful for all of the donations received for the project.
“I am very happy and grateful for all the partners who have helped to establish the clinic,” Sanders said.
“As we grow we need to provide more student services.”
He said another need is for a day care centre which would meet the needs of adult students.
Sandi Sylvain, nurse practitioner in charge of the clinic, said the new clinic is a win, win for TRU students and the community.
She said opening the clinic will also help bring people into the university who might not otherwise visit.
Once familiar with the university they may feel more comfortable taking courses there.
In their daily practice a nurse practitioner can diagnose and treat acute health conditions; order tests (lab test, x-ray, CT scan); prescribe most common medications; manage, and monitor and review chronic health conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.
The clinic also provides pre-natal care classes, sexual health services and urgent care services such as stitches and flu shots.
People can call 250-392-8033 for information and to book appointments.