SASKATOON — The province’s third mobile wellness bus opens its doors April 9 in Saskatoon, offering residents a new way to access primary health care services.
Saskatoon is the most recent community to benefit from a mobile Community Wellness Bus. Community Wellness Buses provide basic primary care and mental health and addictions services. Services vary based on population and the needs of the community; not all locations will have the same services, as supports will be customized based on patient needs.
The Saskatoon bus will be located primarily at 2030-Morse Rd. (near the old farmers market) from 1 to 7 p.m., Wednesday to Sunday. Clients are encouraged to call 306-380-1000 for up-to-date location and schedule information.
A wellness bus was announced in Prince Albert on March 21 and residents can call 306-940-9943 for location and hours of operation.
The Regina wellness bus has been operational since Feb. 12 and is currently operating Monday to Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the rear parking lot of the Lawson Aquatic Centre located at 1717-Elphinstone St.
Services offered by wellness buses may include:
- basic health assessments (physicals);
- health education;
- chronic disease monitoring;
- vaccinations;
- take home naloxone (THN) kits and training;
- sexually transmitted and blood borne infection (STBBI) point of care testing;
- opioid agonist therapy/withdrawal management;
- reproductive health services/supplies;
- mental health and addiction assessments and counselling/referrals;
- wound care, stitches, routine health care;
- referral to housing, social services;
- referral to addictions and mental health treatment and services;
- connection to culturally relevant Indigenous services (traditional medicine, connection to spiritual services and Elders); and
- other primary health care services.
Health care staff on the bus will include a nurse practitioner, a licensed practical nurse and assessor co-ordinators who offer referrals to community supports.
