We all deserve a health care system that addresses our needs.  Yet the shortage of physicians and nurses that has burdened the North for years has spread throughout the province, making it even harder to attract clinicians to our region. 

The impact on Kirkland Lake, Englehart and the surrounding areas is evident.  Many of you do not have a family doctor.  Those who do, often face long waits to see one. Primary care physicians are wearing many hats, from managing our Emergency Departments (ED), to providing cancer care, long-term care services, and even coroner services. 

We thank the physicians in our communities for working incredibly hard, often sacrificing time with family, to prevent closures. 

The recently created Primary Care Recruitment and Retention Committee, with representatives from Blanche River Health (BRH), the Kirkland and District Family Health Team, local physicians, and board members from Blanche River Health and Blanche River Health Foundation, are working towards a community-based approach at increasing the number of physicians. We’re recruiting further membership from local businesses and service clubs.   

The situation is critical, and it is province-wide.  According to the Ontario Medical Association, Ontario residents without a family doctor jumped from 1.75 million in 2020 to 2.2 million in March, 2022. The survey also showed that 40 per cent of physicians are considering retiring in the next five years.  We are not alone in our struggles.

However, we are fortunate that Blanche River Health is not included in the 150 ED closures that occurred in Ontario last year. But we have come extremely close to that point, and it could still very well happen at any given time, with very short notice to our communities. 

Please know that we are all looking at creative ways to attract more physicians to our communities. In the meantime, we appreciate your patience and support as we continue to have higher wait times for doctors’ appointments and in our emergency department. 

We also continue to be available for your feedback. You can drop us a note at Patient Relations, 145 Government Road East, Kirkland Lake, Ontario P2N 3P4, call patient relations at 705-567-5251 ext. 3202, or email us at patientrelations@blancheriverhealth.ca. 

We all live with the unique health care challenges that have been the reality in the North for generations.  We’re working hard to make sure we all have access to the health care services we need. We’re in this together. 

Sincerely,

Jorge VanSlyke                                                            Mandy Weeden

President and Chief Executive Officer                          Executive Director

Blanche River Health                                                   Kirkland and District Family Health Team