Doctor recruitment drive focus of public meeting

http://www.midlandmirror.com

The Southern Georgian Bay area is on the critical list, as wait times to see a doctor fail to improve, despite a moderately effective effort to attract physicians.
That’s one finding that will be discussed tonight, July 8, as the Southern Georgian Bay Physician Recruitment Program provides a status report on the family physician shortage.

At 7 p.m. at the North Simcoe Sports and Recreation Centre in Midland, physician recruitment and retention officer David Gravelle will detail efforts to recruit physicians to the area. Area residents who  have benefited from the local physician recruitment efforts will also be on hand  to tell their stories in the event entitled “Is There a Doctor In The House?”
“Our recruitment program is generating above-average results,” said Gravelle. “But, additional resources in terms of volunteer time and money is needed to tackle the issue. We hope this public information night will be an opportunity to receive input, share ideas and answer questions the  community may have regarding the physician recruitment  initiative.”
In 2004, a similar information night saw more than 250 local residents learn about the doctor shortage, and was the impetus for the creation of the community-led family physician recruitment program.
Tonight’s event will also feature a keynote address by Dr. Carolyn Bennett, Canada’s first Minister of State for Public Health.
 “We are thrilled to have Dr. Bennett take time from her busy schedule to attend this important evening,” Gravelle said. “She is a very engaging speaker, who knows her stuff when it comes to health care and the health of Canadians.”
Admission to the event is free, and complimentary refreshments will be provided.see original