Blanche River Health (BRH) is advising the public that wait times for medical appointments in both Kirkland Lake and Englehart continue to be impacted by a critical shortage of family physicians. This ongoing challenge is resulting in longer delays for patients seeking routine and non-emergency care.

Local physicians are currently working hundreds of hours to ensure hospital operations remain open and stable. While BRH remains deeply grateful for the tireless dedication of our medical staff, this level of demand has had unavoidable consequences on appointment availability.

“We recognize how frustrating it can be to wait for care, and we are doing our best to address this serious issue,” said Jorge VanSlyke, President and CEO of Blanche River Health. “We are strengthening our recruitment efforts, including the recent establishment of a Physician Recruitment and Retention Committee. This committee is working actively to bring new talent into our communities while supporting the physicians already here.”

BRH acknowledges the strain this puts on local residents and asks for continued understanding and compassion during this challenging time.

“We appreciate your patience and continued kindness when working with our team,” Mandy Weeden, Executive Director at the Kirkland and District Family Health Team, added. “We are grateful for our allied health care team that is working in collaboration with our physician group to assist patients.”

Kari Raymond, Executive Director at the Englehart and District Family Health Team, added. “Our community’s support means everything to the staff who are going above and beyond each day.”

Blanche River Health and the Family Health Teams in Kirkland Lake and Englehart remain committed to delivering safe, accessible, and high-quality care to all patients and will continue to advocate for sustainable solutions to the regional healthcare crisis.

About Blanche River Health

Blanche River Health (BRH) is a 69-bed hospital corporation with two sites serving the North Eastern Ontario communities of Englehart (21 beds) and Kirkland Lake (48 beds) as well as residents in surrounding areas. Our mission is to make health care work for you. 

BRH values people and continuous improvement and we demonstrate this through accountability, respect, and courage to excel. 

Please direct media inquiries to: Communications and Public Relations: 1-866-274-7774 ext. 2144 | communications@blancheriverhealth.ca