Doctor shortage frustrates Hay River residents, says MLA

People in Hay River face doctor shortages this summer — a problem so persistent that it's shaking residents faith in their medical system and prompting some to outright leave, says Hay River North MLA R.J. Simpson.

"There are widespread concerns about the lack of physicians in town and a lot of people have lost faith in the medical system. There's a lot of people who just don't bother going or trying to go to the doctor anymore because ... they can't get an appointment," he said.

In a press release Monday, the Hay River Health and Social Services Authority says there will be two or three doctors available for most of July and half of August. The authority has a budget for five. 

Canada's doctor shortage is even more pronounced in rural areas, "but it doesn't mean that people have to settle for that," said Simpson.

When there's no continuity of care, things can get missed.- R.J. Simpson, Hay River North MLA

The community needs as many as seven physicians, he said. 

Despite persistent shortages, Simpson believes the problem can be fixed and that a new integrated care pilot project could improve care in Hay River.

Since becoming an MLA, Simpson has heard more about the medical system than any other issue, he said.

"When there's no continuity of care, things can get missed. If someone is always seeing a different locum every time they go and they have to spend their entire 15 minute appointment explaining their medical history, that means their issues aren't being dealt with at all," he said.

Summer recruitment a persistent challenge, says health authority

The health authority says July and August are "challenging months" to keep a full staff of doctors. It says staffing issues are not just a Hay River problem.

The authority is aware of the public's concerns and hopes the information it gives will assure the public, said Erin Griffiths, CEO of the Hay River Health and Social Services Authority.

Across Canada, there are not enough physicians and nurses to meet demand, she said.

The walk-in and medical clinic could have reduced hours, but all other services offered by the authority will continue as usual, said Griffiths.

Residents with health concerns can go to emergency at the hospital, which will be fully staffed.

"We continue to work hard to ensure the necessary staffing levels for practitioners … our continued commitment to quality care and patient safety is our number one priority," she said.

In a bid to recruit physicians and nurses, the authority is looking for help from other regions. It is contacting all past and present locums, advertising positions and offering competitive pay.

Residents 'frustrated'

In April, the town scrambled to fill doctors and nurse positions after two locum physicians cancelled their plan to work there.

"People are very frustrated that there's a lack of physicians in Hay River — so much so that I know people who have moved away," he said.

Two months ago, a single doctor was moving back and forth from emergency to the clinic, he said.

"[There are] people with complex medical issues who have gone to see a doctor and every time they get in it's a different doctor and they're prescribed a different medication," said Simpson.

The health authority anticipates staffing will be back up to five doctors by September.