Under terms of an agreement creating the new Queen Elizabeth Family Medicine Group, the Clinique Médical Vendôme, the McGill University Health Centre's Family Medicine Clinic and the Urgent Care Clinic, which are in NDG, have merged with the Roper Clinic and the Hillside Clinic, which are in Westmount.

"The formation of this new family medicine group marks the beginning of a new clinical organization that will use doctors' time more effectively, enabling them to consult more patients," NDG Liberal MNA Russell Copeman said during an official launch last Tuesday at the QEHC on Marlowe Avenue.

The complex had been the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, until that institution was closed by the province in 1996. Copeman said the GMF status will broaden access to front-line medical services for residents of the area. "We're an alternative to the population for emergency care," said Dr. Mark Roper, founder of the Roper Clinic and director of primary care at the MUHC.

"If you have not had a major heart attack or a fractured hip, but a stubbed toe that you think is broken, or a bad cold, you can come here instead of going to the emergency," he added. "It's a nice option for the general public, instead of going to an emergency and waiting a long time for care."

"We really do want to serve the community, and there is a great need," said Montreal city councillor for NDG's Loyola district, Warren Allmand, who sits on the QEHC's board of directors. "This is a great day for us and for the community."

Like other GMFs across Quebec mandated by the provincial government, GMF Queen Elizabeth uses an interdisciplinary approach for treating patients. The structure combines twenty family doctors who work in close collaboration with nurses, ensuring the continuity of services, especially for patients suffering from chronic illnesses.

Health officials associated with the new family medicine clinic say there are numerous advantages to organizing under the GMF model. Among other things, medical services are available with or without an appointment, there are longer opening hours, and individualized treatment can be adapted to patients who have special needs.

Service is also available weekdays and during weekends, and GMF Queen Elizabeth has an agreement with Info-Santé, the provincial health ministry's information hotline, so that patients have better access to health information. It is expected that at least 15,000 Montrealers will eventually be registered as patients at GMF Queen Elizabeth.