Whitehorse is getting more collaborative care options, with the Yukon government expanding one of the city's medical clinics.

"For the past two years we have operated the referred care clinic for individuals with complex care needs who previously were visiting the emergency room," says Doug Graham, Minister of Health and Social Services. "This new clinic concept has already brought together a physician, an outreach worker and a mental health nurse to provide a fuller scope of services for some hard to serve clients. I am happy to report that we have added two more physicians to the mix and are actively seeking a nurse practitioner to round out that team."

The collaborative care model will create teams of health care providers that are able to provide the right care to patients at the right time.

"Plans are underway to expand who else can refer patients to our services, other than Whitehorse General Hospital," says Dr. Sharon Lazeo, the clinic's lead physician. "This change, coupled with the additional health care providers, will mean we can provide more services to a larger number of individuals who need this type of care."

In addition to health issue, complex care clients may have issues with addiction or mental health.