Bridgewater's new nurse practitioners will begin accepting more patients next week. It's the second intake since their temporary offices opened on Glen Allen Drive in May. The practitioners have already taken on 600 patients with the ability to handle up to 1,400 at full capacity. It's expected to take at least a year to completely fill out the patient list. Premier Darrell Dexter visited their office during a stop in the area this week. He says they are filling a large gap in the community and assisting those without family doctors.
Nurse practitioners are qualified to order tests, prescribe medications and refer patients to specialists. Beginning on Monday, new patients will be able to phone and arrange an appointment. The number is 527-4310. A third intake is set for sometime in fall.
