Photo by William Crooks
CIUSSS Assistant Director Annie Boisvert addressed the audience at the press conference, highlighting the impact of Estrie’s first specialized nurse practitioner clinic on healthcare access

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

The CIUSSS de l’Estrie – CHUS has launched its first specialized nurse practitioner clinic (Clinique IPS) in Sherbrooke, setting a new benchmark in accessible healthcare for residents without a family doctor. Located at 50 Camirand Street, the clinic opened on Oct. 15 and has already addressed significant demand. In just its first 22 days, the clinic completed 435 appointments for 380 unique patients. Annie Boisvert, Assistant Director for General Physical Health Programs at CIUSSS, praised this milestone at a Nov. 8 press conference, noting, “This clinic represents a turning point in access to healthcare for our population.”

Boisvert explained that the clinic’s role is twofold: to fill a pressing healthcare gap for patients lacking family doctors, or “orphan” patients, and to alleviate pressure on emergency rooms. “Our aim is to bring healthcare services closer to the community, reducing the need for emergency room visits for non-urgent issues,” she said. The clinic is staffed with a multidisciplinary team, including four specialized nurse practitioners (IPS), three clinical nurses, two auxiliary nurses, a physiotherapist, and administrative staff, all providing integrated healthcare services.

The specialized nurse practitioners at the clinic are equipped to perform a broad range of primary care services, previously accessible only through physicians. Boisvert explained, “IPS professionals can conduct comprehensive health evaluations, diagnose conditions, prescribe medications, and develop individualized care plans.” This autonomy allows the clinic to deliver care swiftly and independently. Each day, the clinic serves between 15 and 25 patients referred through the Guichet d’accès à la première ligne (GAP), a frontline access point that matches patients with necessary health services.

A key aspect of the clinic’s approach is preventive healthcare, with IPS professionals trained to promote healthy habits and manage risk factors among their patients. Boisvert highlighted the clinic’s role in not only addressing immediate health concerns but also supporting long-term well-being. “Our team is here to encourage healthy behaviours and preventive care, helping patients take proactive steps in managing their health,” she noted. This preventive focus aims to contribute to healthier lifestyles for the community at large.

During the press conference, Boisvert addressed media questions about potential expansion of similar clinics in other regions of Estrie, such as Val-Saint-François, Cowansville, and Yamaska. While the CIUSSS de l’Estrie is considering future sites, Boisvert clarified that the current priority is to solidify operations at the Sherbrooke clinic. “We’re committed to learning from this clinic’s launch and assessing needs across the territory,” she said, adding that any future expansion would depend on the outcomes and insights gained from this initial site.

The clinic’s team includes both new recruits and redeployed personnel, addressing staffing needs through a mix of fresh talent and experienced healthcare providers. These positions were created as part of CIUSSS’s initiative to bring high-quality healthcare to Estrie, supported by its training partnership with the University of Sherbrooke. This collaboration, which has trained nurse practitioners for nearly two decades, is renowned for rigorous standards. Boisvert emphasized that the clinic provides an invaluable hands-on learning environment, describing it as “an ideal setting for practical learning and professional growth.” The partnership allows both students and professionals to gain real-world experience and sharpen their skills in a supportive environment.

Ultimately, the clinic fills a vital healthcare gap in Sherbrooke’s primary care landscape. By combining on-site expertise and accessible service options, the IPS clinic aims to serve patients who may otherwise struggle to find care. Boisvert reiterated the broader impact of the clinic on the healthcare ecosystem, stating, “This clinic offers a strong framework that benefits both patient care and the professional development of our healthcare providers.” As CIUSSS and the University of Sherbrooke continue to work closely, the clinic marks a significant commitment to improving healthcare access and quality in the Estrie community.