Situation worsens for doctor numbers in northern BC town

By

CHETWYND (NEWS1130) – It’s the worst possible news for the northern BC town of Chetwynd.

The one doctor left standing after three other resignations is also leaving.

Last week, News1130 told you three of the town four doctors were moving on, leaving the town and Northern Health scrambling for replacements.

The fourth doctor has since decided to take a position an hour away in Dawson Creek, which happens to be the next closest place for the people of Chetwynd to see a doctor.

The resignations are effective this July.

One of the four departing physicians will even have to return a $100,000 signing bonus, because he’s leaving before his three-year contract is up.

That financial incentive program is now over, but Angela De Smit, Northern Health’s chief operating officer for the northeast, points out since two physicians are returning their signing bonuses, the health authority will be using the money to recruit.

“The two sums of $100,000 are being offered to physicians interested in relocating.”

The resignations come as the village puts finishing touches on a million-dollar clinic, which will accommodate doctors, as well as home care nurses, community health nurses, and addiction staff.

De Smit says building the clinic wasn’t a mistake.

“The town has a leg up on most rural communities in terms of creating this clinic, which will enable physicians to be co-located with community services.”

She’s optimistic a couple of temporary doctors will be in place for the summer.

In the meantime, they’ll be looking for new doctors among those just graduating and at an upcoming physician recruitment conference.

Doctors from South Africa have traditionally been recruited to fill spots, but that practice was ended a few years ago. Physicians from developing countries can still come to BC and and enter a practice-readiness program to assess whether they have the proper qualifications.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today