New mobile wellness bus to offer primary medical, addiction care from the streets of Saskatoon

WATCH: A new mobile wellness clinic coming to Saskatoon Wednesday aims to improve patient access to care.

Saskatchewan Health is launching a new mobile clinic in Saskatoon to offer primary care and addiction services.

The community wellness bus is slated to open its doors in Saskatoon on Wednesday and will be stationed at 2030 Morse Road — across from the old farmer’s market — from Wednesday to Sunday, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

In a news release on Monday, the Ministry of Health said the bus will offer a range of services from basic physicals, education, chronic disease monitoring, vaccinations, addiction treatment, wound care, STI testing and referrals to social services including housing and mental health and addiction treatment.

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The community health bus will be the third of its kind in the province, with others already active in Regina and Prince Albert.

“Through the community wellness buses, we are fostering respect and compassion by meeting individuals where they are,” said Dr. Mark Fenton, who works on integrated health in Saskatoon for the Saskatchewan Health Authority.

“By eliminating barriers to care, we ensure that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has access to compassionate, culturally responsive, and stigma-free support.”

According to the province, staff in the mobile clinics will also be able to connect Indigenous patients with culturally relevant spiritual services, traditional medicine and elders.

In Regina, the bus has been out in the field since Feb. 12. The service has been active in Prince Albert on a limited basis since March 21.

Staff on the buses includes a nurse practitioner, a licensed practical nurse and assessor coordinator to offer referrals to community supports.

The ministry says services will vary by community, with supports customized based on patient needs.

“It’s encouraging to see the positive impact of community health initiatives in our province,” said Lori Carr, mental health and addictions minister.

“Mobile clinics are making health care more accessible to vulnerable individuals by bringing essential services directly to residents and contributing to better health care outcomes.”