A Halifax-area walk-in clinic that's set to close permanently this weekend could no longer keep up with the increasing demand for health care without putting patient safety at risk, according to a physician who has a family practice on site.

Tacoma Family Medicine in Dartmouth posted a notice this week saying its walk-in clinical service will end Sunday, dealing a blow to the growing number of residents who still do not have access to a family doctor or primary care.

Patients of a health-care facility in Dartmouth, N.S., are scrambling to find other options as a family practice in the area announced it will be permanently closing the doors to its walk-in clinic. 

In a sign posted outside of the building’s entrance, Tacoma Family Medicine announced the clinic will cease operations at the top of next week.

Dr. Leisha Hawker didn’t intend to speak as a witness at the standing committee on health in Halifax on Tuesday.

Jackie Van Amburg works in the provincial government and commutes through the Scotia Square mall in downtown Halifax nearly every day.

When Cathy Seale read the notice posted on the door, announcing the Tacoma Family Medicine Walk-in Clinic(opens in a new tab) in Dartmouth, N.S., would close beginning Monday, her reaction was one of sadness. “It’s going to be missed,” said the Dartmouth resident. “And it is needed here.”