We all deserve a family doctor

I would like to start a dialogue that is important to Peterborough. This community has a serious shortage of family doctors. We need to make this an issue in this provincial election. Recently there was an announcement that over a million dollars has been awarded to PRHC to create new hospital beds. I ask why?

There are many people in this city who do not have a doctor, there are currently no walk in clinics and other agencies are unable to take new patients. Doctors have retired without a replacement to service their patients.

People move to new communities because they have to. They give up their family doctor in order to be but on the Province's Care Connect list for a new doctor in their new community. Some people in our area have been on that list for over a year. Why does the city not recruit family doctors to service the community before they need a hospital? With more family doctors the emergency room can be used for emergencies.

This election is time to be heard. Listen to all parties about health care priorities. Please ask candidates important questions and listen carefully, really listen to the answers. Ask yourself what you want health care to look like in Ontario. Ask what is important to you. Is it really necessary to go to emergency room for a cold, ear ache or to renew a prescription important to your health. Share your thoughts and ideas. Let's make our voices heard.

We all deserve a family doctor.

Debby Haryett, Peterborough