Our History
Niverville Medical Clinic was started by Doctors Chris and Mairi Burnett in 2005 when they first moved to the community. In 2017, the clinic became Open Health Niverville and moved into its current location at 161 2nd Avenue South, which is a collaborative hub with Southern Health-Santé Sud staff. In January 2020, the Burnetts approached the Town of Niverville for assistance as Dr. Mairi was facing serious illness, causing uncertain clinic sustainability.
The Town of Niverville hired an independent consultant, Kathy McPhail, the former CEO of the Southern Regional Health Authority. In her report, she recommended a social enterprise model should the Town pursue ownership of the clinic. A social enterprise model would ensure that profits are reinvested into the organization. The town also sought out community opinion, and the result was an overwhelming “yes”.
The Town of Niverville created a non-profit organization – Niverville Health Care Services Inc. – which took ownership of the Open Health Clinic on March 2, 2020. Niverville also hired a Business Manager who will be the liaison between the clinic and the town. The manager is responsible for overseeing the clinic’s general operations from a patient-minded and financial accountability standpoint.
In 2023, a Community Advisory Board was established to provide community input into the continued future growth of Open Health Niverville.
As of March 2026, Open Health has 15 providers along with 7 reception staff members.
NHCSI Community Healthcare
Niverville Health Care Services Inc. (NHCSI) is the non-profit organization founded by the Town of Niverville that operates as Open Health Niverville.
During the first year of operation, the Town of Niverville provided grant money to NHCSI in order to ensure the sustainability of the clinic. Niverville will continue to look at ways to invest in the community in the future.
With the clinic now being operated as a social enterprise, this means that any profits will be reinvested into the clinic itself. Reinvestment into the clinic means reviewing the needs for new medical equipment, software, furniture, and physician recruitment, among other needs.
As a non-profit organization focusing on the healthcare of the Niverville and Southern Manitoba areas, donations are graciously accepted to continue focusing efforts on practicing and improving healthcare in the region. Learn how you can donate to NHCSI.
Our Vision Statement:
Our Mission Statement:
Our mission is to provide Primary Care and inspire improvement in the overall wellness of those who call Open Health Santé Ouverte “home”.