Northumberland County Launches New Efforts to Recruit Physicians

Northumberland County has taken a significant step to address its pressing shortage of family doctors by hiring its first physician recruitment specialist and establishing a physician recruitment advisory committee. This announcement was made on September 12, 2023, highlighting the county’s commitment to improving access to primary healthcare for its residents.

The newly appointed specialist, Paula Mason, brings over 30 years of experience in client service across various sectors, including healthcare. She previously served as the manager of physician recruitment and retention for Docs by the Bay, an organization dedicated to serving the Municipality of Brighton and the City of Quinte West. Known for her strong networking skills, Mason has a proven track record in attracting and retaining physicians.

In a statement, county warden Brian Ostrander emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “Council has heard clearly from residents and partners that the shortage of family doctors is one of the most pressing issues facing our community.” The initiatives involving Mason and the advisory committee are part of a two-year pilot project led by Northumberland County.

Collaboration for Primary Care Access

The physician recruitment advisory committee will play a crucial role in guiding the county’s efforts. It consists of members from healthcare, municipal, community, and business sectors, ensuring that recruitment strategies align with local health needs and economic considerations. Key participants include:

– Ed Gannon, executive director, Lakeview Family Health Team
– Delayne Donald, executive director, Trent Hills Family Health Team
– Dr. Michelle Cohen, primary care physician, Lakeview Family Health Team
– Dr. Michelle Long, primary care physician, Ganaraska Family Health Organization
– Councillors from various municipalities within Northumberland

According to the Ontario Medical Association, approximately 2.5 million people in Ontario lack a family doctor. In Northumberland County alone, over 8,000 residents currently do not have a primary care provider, a number that could rise to more than 20,000 by 2026.

The director of health and human services for Northumberland County, Glenn Dees, remarked on the significance of these initiatives, stating, “Hiring Paula and launching the advisory committee are important first steps. This pilot project is about collaboration—aligning efforts to ensure Northumberland is recognized as a place where physicians want to practise and families can count on reliable access to primary care.”

Future Initiatives to Enhance Healthcare Access

In addition to Mason’s role, the county has also reopened the Port Hope Medical Walk-in Clinic in partnership with the Community Health Centres of Northumberland. This initiative, launched in 2024, is a one-year pilot project aimed at increasing access to primary care services. Dees stated that the county will evaluate the feasibility of making the clinic services permanent based on community needs.

Mason is set to begin her role on September 22, 2023, and the physician recruitment advisory committee will convene for its first meeting in October. The county’s efforts reflect a united approach to healthcare that hopes to ensure residents have timely access to essential medical services.