Carrot River, Saskatchewan: Health Care

Health Care

Carrot River has one Medical Clinic, a 2,200 square foot building that was constructed in 2005. This beautiful new facility features three professional office spaces, a general office, five examination rooms, reception and file storage. These modern premises provide ample facilities for one or two Physicians and for Nurse Practitioners. This primary care medical health unit, one of three in the Kelsey Trail Health Region, is available to residents five days per week.

Nearly 4,000 people from the communities of Carrot River, Arborfield and Zenon Park access medical services from the Carrot River Medical Clinic.

The Medical Clinic is available to new Physicians rent-free for one year; $500.00 rent per month second year with terms to be negotiated thereafter. No municipal property taxes and no municipal license fees are levied. The Town of Carrot River will also provide rent-free housing in Carrot River for six months. And, the Kelsey Trail Regional Health Authority also has available a generous relocation incentive package.

More details are available at the Carrot River Town Office.

The Medical Clinic is home to Nurse Practitioner Services. A Nurse Practitioner (NP) is a Registered Nurse with advance education and training, enabling the NP to diagnose and manage day to day medical conditions and chronic conditions while maintaining a close working relationship with Physicians throughout the region. Nurse Practitioners are able to order tests, x-rays, write prescriptions and refer to other health care providers. Both Louise Kowal RNNP and Val Kimball RNNP provide regular services for the Carrot River Medical Clinic.

Dr. J. Herbert recently joined Nurse Practitioners Louise Kowal and Val Kimball in the Carrot River Medical Clinic to provide Health Care Services to residents of the Carrot River area and surrounding communities. Dr. Herbert's arrival in the Clinic has substantially increased the number of patients receiving service while reducing appointment wait times. He will also be doing some work in the Nipawin Hospital. Anyone wishing more information regarding the services available at the Carrot River Primary Health Clinic may call the Clinic directly at 306-768-2000.

The North-East EMS operates three full-time ambulances in the Northeast Health District. One of the ambulances is located in Carrot River, housed in a base constructed by the community in 1996 and staffed 24 hours per day year round. Dispatch services are co-ordinated through the Provincial 911 dispatch service from the City of Prince Albert.

Public Health Inspection Services are provided regularly from the Nipawin Office.

March 2002 was the completion date of the $3 million expansion and upgrade to the Carrot River Health Centre complex. The project included a major renovation of the Pasquia Special Care Home, originally constructed in 1976, and the construction of new facilities.

The new integrated premises feature:

32 modern special care home beds;
examination and emergency rooms;
4 multi-purpose beds, which could be used for acute observation, convalescent etc.;
2 long-term swing beds, which could be respite, palliative suite etc.;
laboratory and x-ray services;
trauma and treatment rooms;
wellness programs (home care and community services offices);
ambulance services, and;
upgrade to support services including dietary, laundry, housekeeping, staff change area, and administrative services.

Long Term Care Homes/Home Care
    Assessment for long term care and respite placement 768-3151
    Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 862-7250

Meals on Wheels 768-3151
    Hot noon meal delivered to client's homes up to 5 days per week

Wellness Clinics 862-7250
    Foot Care, Blood Pressure, Diabetic Foot Assessment, B12 Injections
    Dietitian 862-9822
    Diabetes Nurse Educator 862-9822
    Community Therapy 862-9822
    Acquired Brain Injury Program 752-1754
    Public Health Services 862-0761
    Early Childhood Team 752-6310/862-7429
    Mental Health 752-8767
    Emergency Services 911
    Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868
    Mental Health 765-6216
    Northeast Crisis Centre 1-800-611-6349
    Problem Gambling 1-800-306-6789
    Parents Helpline 1-888-306-9100

Pasquia Place - Carrot River Valley Active Living Inc.

April 01, 2003 saw the opening of Pasquia Place, an 18 unit Assisted Living facility located in the former Carrot River Hospital building. This opening was achieved after a great deal of hard work and dedication by many volunteers. Carrot River and surrounding communities rallied to raise in excess of $120,000.00 to renovate the existing building into the beautiful facility it is today. The Town of Carrot River and the Rural Municipality of Moose Range #486 formed a new company, Carrot River Valley Active Living Inc. and appointed a volunteer Board of Directors to oversee the project.

Pasquia Place is ideal for active individuals who are still independent and self-sufficient, but may no longer wish to contend with the many responsibilities of caring for their own home. Tenants continue to have their independence, in a safe and secure environment, with ready access to proper nutrition and the option of socializing with fellow Tenants, or enjoying the privacy of their own accommodation.

Pasquia Place offers a nutritious menu consisting of delicious home-cooked meals. The kitchen staff is always open to suggestions and is capable of accommodating special diet requirements. Tenants are encouraged to have their guests stay for meals.

Each unit in Pasquia Place is furnished and decorated by the Tenant, creating a homey, personal atmosphere. It's more than merely renting an apartment. It's a lifestyle!

Your comfort. Your well-being. Your happiness and peace of mind. All of these things are important at Pasquia Place.

If you are a Senior Citizen that is looking to retire but not quite sure where to lay down roots, the Tenants at Pasquia Place in Carrot River say "Come On Down!'

Pasquia Place is filled with male and female non-smoking, fun-loving Seniors that are described as "caring, honest and down to earth."

The term "Assisted Living" may be a bit misleading for some people, but Pasquia Place is anything but limiting. There are 18 Tenant rooms that vary in size, a common room, TV room, activity room, hairdressing room, laundry facilities and a dining area that allows folks to visit. An outdoor patio is also perfect for fresh air, flowers and the odd barbecue.

"We are truly a retirement home, not a long-term care home," say the Tenants of Pasquia Place. "We are very much still active and do get out into the community and take part in many activities offered to us".

Those currently living at Pasquia Place have the unique perspective of experience in deciding when to make the move to a new home. One of the original Tenants at Pasquia Place, N. Cowherd who originally called Prince Albert home, said she chose to move mainly because "Carrot River is a low traffic area and has a beautiful landscape for walking and viewing the gardens and flowers in the summertime." Cowherd also likes the fact that the Health Centre is close by if needed.

"No stairs," was an important factor for D. Gray of Arborfield. He is also pleased that there is a Medical Nurse that comes to Pasquia Place every Thursday - especially handy in the winter months. Staff are available at the facility 24 hours a day to assist when necessary - another comforting fact.

An Activity Director is also around to keep everyone busy with singing, playing cards, crafts, going for walks and taking field trips.

Residents note that it is comforting to be able to open the door and hear laughter coming from all areas of their new home.

B. Armstrong of Carrot River said she liked the fact of "having company if you want it," but also the privacy of her own home when she wants to be alone.

"The meals here are amazing!" she continued. Pasquia Place offers three meals a day with three coffee times as well. While residents do not have to worry about cooking their own meals, a kitchenette is available. A space for those who like to bake is also present.

"I cannot praise this place enough it is wonderful," said H. Burki, originally from Arborfield. She also said she feels very lucky to have this place.

Another former Arborfield resident A. Dyck, loves that "you are free to come and go with no restrictions."

This past April 01, marked the fourth year anniversary of Pasquia Place. Plans are already being prepared for the five-year milestone next Spring!

The Tenants of Pasquia Place advise those considering retirement "don't wait - come and join us for some long-term companionship at a place we are proud to call home."

For more information, including rates, application forms or for an opportunity to view the facility, please contact: A. Wouters, Manager (306-768-3911).