A health centre that provides services to refugees and new immigrants in Hamilton is dedicating three days a week to seeing Syrian refugees.

Director of operations Terri Bedminster said that as of last week, the Refuge Hamilton Centre for Newcomer Health is increasing its capacity to accommodate Syrian refugees who will be settling in Hamilton.

The centre is setting aside Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at its downtown location (lower level of 183 Hughson St. S.) and the same time on Tuesdays at the Perkins Centre (lower level of 1429 Main St. E.).

Bedminster expects the centre will eventually also dedicate Saturdays to seeing Syrian refugees, making it easier for private sponsors who work during the week to take families to appointments.

At this point, the clinic is only seeing its regular clients, Bedminster said.

“We haven’t seen the surge yet,” she said.

Refuge Hamilton Centre for Newcomer Health sees itself as the first point of contact for newcomers, she said. The centre conducts assessments, provides immunization updates and connects new immigrants and refugees to services.

Bedminster said appointments are encouraged but walk-ins are welcome.