The Chatham-Kent Family Physician Recruitment and Retention Task Force says it was successful in attracting six new doctors to the Municipality last year, but needs dozens more.
The Chatham-Kent Ontario Health Team is reporting at least 33 family physicians need to be hired over the next several years.
An update going to Council on Monday evening said one physician was hired at Tilbury District Family Health Team, two at Chatham-Kent Family Health Team in Chatham and Wallaceburg, two at Thamesview Family Health Team in Chatham, and one at Chatham-Kent Community Health Centre in Wallaceburg.
The health team noted nearly 21,000 residents are without a primary care provider and that alone would require an additional 14 doctors, adding that 19 family physicians in Chatham-Kent are also nearing the average age of retirement.
The shortage of family physicians outside of large metropolitan centres has been in the news for decades and the Municipality is committing to continue to work in tandem with the Task Force and its member organizations to develop an advocacy strategy that is brought forward to provincial entities, such as the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, and the Rural Ontario Municipal Association.
"Talent Attraction and Retention continues to be a priority area of focus into 2023 and beyond," wrote Director of Community Attraction and Promotion Audrey Ansell in her report. "Workforce shortages are noted across many sectors, including in health care."
The Task Force also hired a Family Physician Recruitment Coordinator to support the Task Force’s work and act as the lead for family physician engagement and retention.
At the Council meeting on Monday, the Task Force will be asking the Municipality for more funding to continue its work. It has received $300,000 from the Municipality over the last three years.
