University of Manitoba sees patients venturing far from home for medical services

As part of the study, planners mapped out geographic areas based on where people live. It revealed that within Winnipeg, 45% of residents travel outside their geographic area to see a doctor or nurse practitioner. Of people living near but outside Winnipeg, half travel into the city to get care. And of Manitobans who live far from Winnipeg, 60% stay within their geographic area for care, while 40% travel. Researchers agreed people will often seek care close to their workplace or at a clinic that was recommended to them, while people moving to a different area and continuing to see their same family doctor is another factor. The U of M said the study will help with the development of My Health Team, a team-based model for primary healthcare.