Efforts continue to attract new physicians to the Rainy River district.
Nine doctors and three surgeons have come to practice since 2015, though two doctors and one surgeon have since left.
Speaking to area municipal leaders attending the Rainy River District Municipal Association meeting in Devlin, recruiter for the Fort Frances area Todd Hamilton says we do have benefits to promote.
“We have welcoming communities. We have excellent staff, facilities and community clinics. We have experienced primary care physicians and general surgeons to provide mentorship. We have a strong teaching culture. Our doctors that live in the community want to teach,” says Hamilton.
Hamilton says it’s also important to promote that we’re not that rural given our infrastructure and proximity to major health centres.
But recruitment doesn’t come without its challenges.
He says funding is just one. Hamilton says a study identifies recruitment costing about $200-thousand for each doctor with a revenue return of $367-thousand.
“We’ve been lobbying, the town of Fort Frances has been lobbying to say. ‘look, this is an essential service in the community, how about helping us out, and then they move on.”
A delegation of town council was able to discuss that issue with Health Minister Christine Elliott in Toronto last week.
Hamilton says they’re still seeking at least three more physicians for Fort Frances and two for Emo. An anesthetist is also being sought for Fort Frances.
Hamilton says some of that help will be coming soon.
