CREDIT: KERRA SEAY
Services offered at the on-campus clinic, Fowler Kennedy, may cost more than what they used to due to a reallocation in the way funds are being spent.

As a result of increasing utilization of the Fowler Kennedy Clinic, it has been decided to reallocate the way funds are spent and this may have implications for some students.

As a result of a surplus from previous years from the Student Health Fee, there were resources that were available to assist with subsidizing the out-of-pocket cost for both physicals and TB testing for students.

Based on an increased student demand for those services, students have used up the majority of that surplus. As of April 1, students may now be required to pay more out of pocket for these services similar to if they went to a clinic in the community or if they were in their own doctor’s office.

This was a joint decision between those managing the Student Health Fee for the college and the Fanshawe Student Union (FSU).

Robert Kitchen, senior manager Student Academic Success stated, “This was not a decision entered into lightly as we are very aware of the cost pressures facing all students. When you look at the big picture of maintaining great health services for all Fanshawe students this made the most sense moving forward.”

In many cases prior to a field placement, students are required to confirm they have met the same conditions as paid staff to work and interact in those environments with both staff and clients.

Fowler Kennedy has tried to maintain and create competitive rates compared to other providers of the same services.

“This is something we will continue to monitor to ensure that students are offered fair and comparable rates for these services,” Kitchen said.

The cost students are required to pay will depend on the services required. Some of these for full-time students’ cost may be covered by the current student health plan. Further details on what may be covered can be found on the student health plan web at fsu.ca/health.php.