There were 22 members in attendance and 2 on Zoom to hear Adam Hambly give an update on his job of finding new doctors for the County. His full presentation is available on Clubrunner with a link in this bulletin. Click Here for  County Docs Presentation

The need for more doctors is well known so the County started a robust recruitment and retention program in 2022 called “County Docs”. The Ministry of Health funds 23 physicians in the County, but there are seven vacancies plus four more departing in 2024, three of which are retirements. Four new doctors have been recruited for 2024 but that just replaces the number leaving. Adam has 40 new leads of which he is following 28 now. Of these, nine have expressed high interest in PEC and 15 have expressed a medium interest.

Retention of current docs is as critical as hiring new ones. 87% of our current physician group said they were either satisfied or very satisfies with County Docs.

Adam said the upcoming challenges are:

• Three of the new recruits are expected to fill some of the spots but that leaves a net increase in vacancies.
• The Health Care Connect waitlist in the County has increased by 300 in January 2023. He encouraged anyone wanting a doctor in the County to register.
• Medical office space is an issue for future docs. There is little in the County and current offices are spread around Picton. A committee has been struck to find a solution.

To encourage family doctors to increase the number of patients on their roster, a premium of $25,000 would be paid to cover the administrative and clinical support if 250 patients were added. The County has been asked for $100,000 for this program.

There was no Club business and Phyo’s number was drawn for the 50:50, but he did not draw the ace of spades.

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   50/50 Draw - $447