Physician shortages

Re: Local system improved, but still issues to fix — Sept. 30

I would like to commend Bruce Lauckner and the Waterloo Wellington Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) for bringing community leaders together to host the first state of the health system address. I was glad to see a full house and to learn they added a second address in Mount Forest that afternoon for broader reach. While the address focused on achievements, particularly that 97 per cent of residents have a family doctor; it should be acknowledged that this is not acceptable. Without any growth in the region, there are still 21,100 residents in KW4 sub-region who are unattached patients. This will require the care of about 14 new family doctors. With 245 family doctors in KW4, it is estimated that 60 will retire in the next decade. Physician shortage will be the most significant barrier for quality and access to care.

Attracting physicians must be the most critical part of our community building initiatives. The chamber of commerce’s physician recruitment task force is actively engaged in attracting medical residents. Industry realizes that to draw talent to the region, the families of their employees need the continuum of care that a family doctor provides for patients. This includes, but is not limited to, making referrals to specialists, following up on hospital discharge instructions, and ongoing counselling.

Bruce Lauckner encouraged everyone to “thank a community health champion,” which is a fantastic initiative. If you have good medical care, let it be known. Health-care providers should be appreciated and supported because, more than anyone, they can be inspired to encourage and influence their colleagues to practise in Waterloo Region. Cynthia Voisin Managing partner, Voisin Properties Project co-ordinator, Medical Centre at The Boardwalk Waterloo