"One day at a time. One step at a time. One patient at a time."
It's Dr. Lee Boissoneau's approach to leading the new Mushkegowuk Health Okimawiwin Minopimatisiwinik Atoskawikamik primary care services that launched over the summer.
The hub is headquartered in Timmins on Elm Street North. The goal is to cater to urban Indigenous people without a primary care provider and who have a band affiliation with a Mushkegowuk community.
Before the clinic was even up and running, people were reaching out.
“It’s been very positive in terms of the feedback so far," said Tom McLeod, the primary care manager.
Boissoneau is the only physician at the clinic and is supported by a registered nurse, registered practical nurse, patient advocate, and more.
Coming from a clinic that had a full roster of other physicians and support staff, it's a smaller team than she's used to.
Considering that Indigenous people are historically known for having more complex needs, Boissoneau said the clinic's doing its best to serve as many people as possible. The goal is to also expand as they secure more funding.
Being back in Timmins among former colleagues means she does have a support system.
"But I understand that we’re going to have to be super innovative, creative in terms of how we deliver services to our population. Technology is going to be a huge thing because of the vast geographical area and there’s only one of me. So I couldn’t possibly be in all of these communities, so we’re going to start to hopefully really pick up on the technology portion so we that can deliver services that way effectively and efficiently,” she said.
The mandate of the clinic, she said, is to reach people with the most need.
The programming and services integrate the traditions and practices of the Mushkegowuk culture.
“We want our patients to come in here free of discrimination, free of racism. We want them to feel that sense of belonging,” said McLeod.
Having a safe and inclusive space is also important.
“Really essentially making sure people know that they’re welcome and respected. We’re here for you,” Boissoneau said.
A family physician, Boissoneau's home community is Mattagami First Nation.
"Many of us lived the story, know the story of everything from residential schools to all the stuff Indigenous people have gone through. Many of us have either gone through it or have parents or family members or friends. And I think sometimes Indigenous people, when they know that somebody has shared and can understand the background then they’re more comfortable and be more likely to be open,” she said.
“If you feel like you’re welcome there and respected there then certainly it’s going to encourage you to walk through the door as opposed to if you weren’t.”
The first phase of the clinic is setting up the hub in Timmins.
To help bridge further gaps, McLeod also hopes to work with a nurse practitioner to have a team visit the remote Mushkegowuk communities.
Having funding focused on Indigenous healthcare is exciting for Boissoneau, who said it seems like there are more opportunities to revamp the healthcare system in ways tailored to communities.
"Because certainly what goes on in your average town and city isn’t necessarily what you would see in Indigenous communities. It’s nice that the government has put out some funding initiatives to recognize that there are these significant differences and challenges that are happening elsewhere and we’re now getting the opportunity to tailor the services to the people,” she said.
Her plan to get the service off the ground is simple.
"One step at a time. One day at a time. One patient at a time. Just do my best to enhance somebody’s life, make their health a little bit better,” she said.
For more information on Mushkegowuk Health, visit mushkegowukhealth.com or call 705-269-6662.
