Up until about 40 years ago people who had medical problems went to see their neighbourhood physician. No appointment was needed as the doctor was available to offer a diagnosis and medication, often in the patient's own home.
In the 1950's many doctors moved their offices out of the neighbourhoods and into professional medical buildings. Patients often had to wait days or weeks for an appointment or take urgent after hours problems to hospital emergency wards.
It was a situation Medicentres founders could not understand. In England, where they had lived and trained, evening hours and walk-in appointments had been the norm, and they realized that the old 9 to 5 concept was no longer viable.
Their solution to this unsettling problem was to provide extended hours on a no appointment basis. The two doctors left their traditional practice behind in 1979 to open their first Medicentre and their unique blend of medical care has been well received by the public.
Today over 150 physicians, including specialists in pediatrics, internal medicine and counselling, as well as a team of registered nurses, receptionists and administration staff provide a full scope of services out of 15 Edmonton and 9 Calgary clinics.
Thousands of patients have come to rely on Medicentres. As one of the founders explains, "People tend to come to us for all their health needs because they know us and can expect quality care."
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