Barrhead residents are concerned about the lack of health professionals practicing in the community. To be more specific they believe there are not enough family doctors.
That is what Town of Barrhead mayor Dave McKenzie told an audience of Barrhead and District Chamber of Commerce members during their Sept. 19 meeting.
Three doctors have left the community in the last year and two more are scheduled to leave in mid-December when the Barrhead Medical Centre closes.
“Unfortunately, there isn’t a lot that we can do [referring to the municipal council],” he told the Barrhead Leader after the meeting. “Doctor recruitment and placement is the province’s domain under Alberta Health Services (AHS).”
However, that hasn’t stopped residents who are having trouble finding a family doctor from asking him what Town of Barrhead council plans to do.
While the municipality can’t recruit doctors, McKenzie has been in contact with Barrhead’s medical director Dr. Kent Bernes.
“They [staff at the Barrhead Healthcare Centre] are aware of the issue and it is having an impact on how they deliver services,” McKenzie said.
That being said, McKenzie said it looks like AHS has heard the call from Bernes and others in the medical community and they are actively seeking physicians.
“It’s not going to be a quick process, but steps are being taken to rectify the issue,” he said.
McKenzie added that in addition to the impact a shortage of doctors has on the residents of a community, it also has a ripple effect.
“For the municipalities [Town of Barrhead and County of Barrhead] it makes it more difficult for us to market the community if you don’t have good quality health services,” he said.
McKenzie suggested those who are having trouble finding a family doctor or are concerned about the quality of the health care available in the community should let the province know.
“Write a letter to the Minister of Health [Tyler Shandro] and let him know about your concerns.”
It takes a community
The Barrhead Leader attempted to reach out to AHS regarding the issue of physician recruitment but did not receive a response as of publication deadlines
However, long-time pharmacist Rita Lyster said she was pleased to learn that from her understanding that AHS has five resumes — three from Canada physicians and two from abroad from outside the country.
She said that although AHS is responsible for bringing most medical professionals to a location, the entire community plays a role for them staying there.
“The medical community, the municipalities, and residents have to make it an attractive place to practice,” she said.
For residents, one of the best ways to do that is not to abuse the system.
“It doesn’t make any sense for a person to [the emergency room] at 3 a.m. with a sore throat,” she said.
The statistic Lyster likes to give is that in 2016, unnecessary visits to the emergency room cost the health system $7 million.
“Part of the problem is that because of the scarcity of doctors, people are sent to the ER when they shouldn’t,” she said, adding that before anyone goes to the ER they should ask themselves if is necessary.
“Every time someone walks in the door it costs the healthcare system $500, and that doesn’t include the physician’s bill.”
Transportation
McKenzie also informed the chamber that there will be a delegation at the Oct. 1 town council meeting from a private company based in Parkland County which provides transportation service to medical appointments outside the community.
“Transportation especially outside of our community has been a real challenge for many of our residents,” he said. “I’m excited to learn more what services they might be able to provide for our residents.”
