The Physician Recruitment Taskforce of Sarnia Lambton is in danger of folding which could result in even longer wait times and busier emergency departments. Ron Prior is chair of the taskforce's volunteer board of directors that has attracted 24 family physicians since 2001. He says the only Lambton municipalities that continue to fund the non-profit group are Sarnia and Point Edward and the province has changed the way it pays doctors through OHIP. 38% of Sarnia-Lambton doctors are over the age of 60 and nearing retirement. The health ministry says new physicians will only be allowed to have 1,380 patients. "That allows, patients can get in without waiting for long terms to get in to see the doctor. Now, with some of our senior doctors, have 4,000 patients. So, when that doctor retires, that means we are faced with replacing that more two doctors." The task force has an $85,000 budget which pays for a full time recruitment officer's $40,000 salary, as well as the cost of visiting medical schools and on-site career fairs. Medical student expenses to travel to Sarnia-Lambton are also covered. Prior says unless community and service groups come to the rescue, the organization will fold, causing hardship for local residents.
