Doctor recruitment remains successful in Saugeen Shores

Town Council

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Kevin Carter, Chair of the Doctor Recruitment Committee for Saugeen Shores, presented a positive outlook when it comes to local doctor recruitmentm at the Council meeting Monday, December 14.

Carter pointed out it was through the cooperation of the doctors and council that Saugeen Shores has been one of the more successful communities when it comes to doctor recruitment.

"The doctors have been amazing since the threat in July to close our local hospital Emergency Room (ER)," said Carter.  "Dr. Tara Sommerville, out of Calgary, has come on board and is working with the Saugeen First Nations and Southampton ER and will also be working out of the Dr. Earle Health Centre in Port Elgin.

According to Carter, Sommerville brings the doctor complement up to 15 and another, Dr. Erich Hansel, who completed his schooling in Chicago, has also committed to begin practice in the community.

"Dr. Erich Hansel has made the decision to  take up practice in Saugeen Shores," said Carter, "but, what is more important, is that he has committed up to 15 shifts per month in the local ER."

"Two doctors will be leaving," said Carter, "but we have taken this into account in our recruiting.  In addition, Bruce Power has stepped up with support for the community by setting up a committee that includes members from both Kincardine and Saugeen Shores and also by looking at hiring a professional recruiter."

Vice-deputy mayor, Doug Gowanlock, asked how close the town was to being at full service when it comes to doctors.  "We don't have a real  problem as far as 'orphan' patient numbers (patients without a family physician)," said Carter, "but our real problem is in the emergency room coverage.  We must cover 50 shifts per month with another 10 provided by Health Force Ontario."

Health Force Ontario (HFO) has committed to providing the 10 shifts through March 31st.

Councilor Victoria Serda asked if potentially recruited doctors were looking for anything in particular, such as amenities in the area.

Carter said that there are some very important criteria that influence doctors in coming to the area.  "Coming out of school and residency, where they work intensive and long hours, these young doctors are looking for balance.  They also need to feel that their input is valued and many have ties to the area."

According to Carter, one of the biggest obstacles for rural communities such as Saugeen Shores, is that they are up against professional recruiters.

"This really is a professional business," explained Carter.  "Professional recruiters belong to a very small group and the remuneration is very handsome.  We are looking forward  to the Bruce Power initiative for hiring a professional recruiter."

Councilor Taun Frosst asked Carter how the doctor recruitment committee convinces doctors to come to the area.  "When these doctors come up and talk to the doctors who are here and the people, it really comes down to the community. They need to feel they are coming to an environment that is conducive to their being able to have input."

Carter stressed the importance of working with Bruce Power in a partnership while Mayor Mike Smith gave credit to the recruitment committee and Carter himself for the work that has resulted in Saugeen Shores' successful doctor recruitment.

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Tuesday, December 15, 2009