The health care system in Kenora is in crisis.
That’s according the All Nations Health Partners, which is warning of a doctor shortage.
One physician has left the community, and others are set to retire, meaning thousands of patients would be without a family doctor.
Dr. Sean Moore, the chief of medical staff at Lake of the Woods District Hospital says the emergency room is also in danger of closing.
“The situation is dire. Lake of the Woods District Hospital’s current reliance on locum physician fails to provide the continuity of care that a stable, locally staffed ED would offer. The critical shortage of physicians we are experiencing has created a situation which is unsustainable and without urgent intervention, there will be ED closures. This would be absolutely devastating for the region.”
Dr. Jillie Retson, the Medical Director of Kenora Chiefs Advisory states “We have worked so hard over the last few years to provide physician services in First Nations communities, who experience large health disparities and chronic illness. Many of these physicians have built strong and trusting relationships with communities over the last few years. We now risk having to pull these physicians out of First Nations communities if we do not have a long-term funding solution in place.”
The All Nations Health Partners say a new model for physician compensation has been proposed, and it aligns with the Ministry of Health’s strategic direction.
The group is encouraging local residents to contact Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford about the doctor shortage and help advocate for solutions.
