The Centre is comprised of a group of client-focused, community-driven, diverse interdisciplinary healthcare professionals, who provide comprehensive healthcare services to Hamilton’s new immigrant and refugee population. The Centre addresses the health disparities and the needs specific to newcomer populations. Our primary focus is to reduce barriers to healthcare access as identified by those client populations.
The emphasis is on communication through appropriate interpretation, providing culturally appropriate care and advocacy through a diverse team of interdisciplinary professionals in a community based setting.
The Centre provides primary healthcare services that include initial multidisciplinary health assessments of families recently arrived in Hamilton; primary care and ongoing care. The Centre’s team of specialists provide follow up to clients with complex medical issues, within a community setting, thereby reducing barriers to access.
The Centre’s long-term goal is to facilitate gradual transition of clients to community primary health care services through comprehensive orientation to the healthcare system, once they have gained a better understanding of and level of comfort with their new environment. While providing client- centered services, the Centre concurrently partners with client communities, as well as community organizations and larger medical and academic institutions in order to ensure an in-depth understanding of the unique needs of Hamilton’s Newcomer population.