It is the new lung of health in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. Although it has just opened its doors to the public on Monday January 13, the departmental health center is already welcoming patients – from Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. – who have come in large numbers. “It's a sigh of relief“, confides one of them, a mask on his face.
This medical boon offered to the Bas-Alpins was carefully considered by the Department. “We had to act to meet the health needs in towns and villages, and anticipate the years to come. Because we realized that half of general practitioners were over 60 years old, and that we were heading towards years more and more complicated“, explains Stéphanie Colombero, vice-president of the Department, delegate for social affairs and solidarity.
Doctors who make themselves desired
A few details still remain to be resolved so that the project develops in the best possible conditions. Particularly with regard to staffing. The chosen one shares: “Our goal is to have three full-time equivalent doctors. But we haven't recruited them all yet. Currently, two doctors share full time (including Richard Valla, a former candidate in the municipal elections of Digne-les-Bains and retired doctor who therefore decided to return to service, Editor's note).”
-“A salaried practice is offered to them, so that they can carry out general medicine. The latter are helped by medical assistance, who also take constants and welcome the patients. This allows doctors to see more people. We also have a nurse coordinator. The idea is also to reach out to advanced practice nurses to be able to monitor chronic patients. We also plan to open an intern position“, explains Stéphanie Colombero.
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