Public specialized nurse practitioner (SNP) clinics

Public SNP clinics are a new type of health clinic that provide additional access to timely primary care.

These clinics represent a continuation of the mission of local community services centres (CLSCs). They make it possible to offer routine, community-based health and social services to the people in the territories they serve. In most cases, SNP clinics are located within a CLSC.

Interdisciplinary by nature, SNP clinics follow a service model that encourages collaboration between health and social services professionals. They ensure that you are directed to the right person for your health needs. As a result, you are looked after by an entire team rather than a single professional. The clinics offer a wide range of services that may vary from one facility or community to the next.

Public SNP clinics offer an additional alternative for patients who wish to see a health care professional. They provide consultations for the following situations:

• Minor emergencies
• Care and support for patients registered on the Québec Family Doctor Finder (GAMF) waiting list
• Sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs) and access to contraception
• Disease prevention and promotion of a healthy lifestyle
• Phone or remote consultations
• Screening
• Palliative care

In addition, SNPs can provide certain follow-up services, which include:

• Monitoring of chronic health problems (diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, thyroid problems, etc.)
• Care for newborns and children according to the clinic’s pediatric care pathway
• Women’s health and pregnancy follow-up
• Management of an episode of care following a work accident (CNESST)
• Consultation with another network professional when needed

Anyone who has common or chronic health problems, who is dealing with a minor emergency, or who needs nearby health services can seek care at a public SNP clinic.

Here are a few cases in which you could be referred to an SNP clinic:

• You are referred by local emergency services
• You do not have a family doctor or are not registered with a primary health care nurse practitioner (PHCNP)
• You are referred by the Primary Care Access Point (GAP)
• You are registered on the Québec Family Doctor Finder waiting list to be matched with a family doctor or PHCNP
• You are referred by 811 or the Québec Medical Appointment Scheduler
• You are referred by a community pharmacy

Support provided by a team of professionals from various health and social services fields is the basis of the SNP clinic care model.

At minimum, an SNP clinic team includes the following professionals:

• Primary health care nurse practitioners (PHCNPs)
• One or more nurse clinicians
• A social worker

Depending on the needs of the community, the team may also include:

• An SNP from a different specialty, such as mental health
• A licensed practical nurse
• A physiotherapist or kinesiologist
• A nutritionist
• A pharmacist
• A family doctor or specialist

Having an interdisciplinary team of health professionals allows for consultations to be allocated more efficiently in accordance with patients’ needs and the team members’ specialties. During your visit, depending on your health needs, you may be seen not by an SNP, but by a nurse, physiotherapist, or other professional.

These types of clinics already exist in other Canadian provinces. They have proven to be safe and effective in terms of the care and services they offer.

The Québec government plans to open 23 public SNP clinics by 2028. Several are already in operation, and several more will open over the next few years.

To find an SNP clinic or check its opening hours, please visit the web page of your integrated health and social services centre (CISSS) or integrated university health and social services centre (CIUSSS) .