Blue Coast Primary Care Recruitment is highlighting its success as it seeks funding in 2023 to continue its physician recruitment efforts.
The organization, formerly known as the Physician Recruitment Taskforce of Sarnia-Lambton, is requesting $80,000 from the City of Sarnia, with hope of consideration for a four year funding commitment.
Recruitment coordinator Carly Cox said 43 family physicians have been recruited across Lambton County since the task force was created in 2001.
"28 of those 43 physicians practice here in Sarnia," said Cox. "So, that's approximately 86,000 residents that have a family physician because of our efforts."
Cox said this year's efforts will help more family physicians retire at a comfortable time in their lives and careers.
"This year, we were extremely successful in recruiting five new physicians to Sarnia, four of which will be starting in 2023," she said.
Cox said the recruitments benefit thousands.
"To put that in perspective, that's 11,160 patients and residents of Sarnia that are able to maintain secure primary care because of the work that we've done."
Cox said the doctors recruited this year fulfill 80 per cent of Sarnia's retirement needs next year, and while they've been very successful, they still need to look toward the future.
"43 per cent of family physicians in Sarnia are at least 60 years of age, or older. This means we need to start considering some succession planning strategies with them."
Cox said just over 15,000 Sarnia residents are still without a family doctor.
"That's about 20.3 per cent of our population, and to fill that capacity gap, we would require 10.2 more physicians."
Cox said the organization is currently funded by the City of Sarnia and Village of Point Edward, but Lambton Shores is also expressing interest.
"They are very eager to jump on board, as they have three physicians that will be retiring next year."
Council will consider the request during budget deliberations on Tuesday, January 10.
Among the other grant requests...
The owners of the former Walker Brothers property and Sarnia Collegiate Institute & Technical School [SCITS] property in Mitton Village are seeking a refund of approximately $320,000 in development charge fees to increase affordable housing on the sites.
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Dr. Robert Dickieson has asked the city to set up a separate reserve fund to improve pedestrian safety. He said allocating $500,000 each year would help ensure pedestrian safety is addressed without compromising other important projects.
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The Sarnia Legionnaires are seeking funding to complete dressing room renovations. The junior hockey club told council the change rooms, shower and washroom facilities are in need of much needed upgrades. The club said it could commit up to $25,000 toward work, estimated to cost $85,000 to complete.
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The Lambton Farm Safety organization is seeking funding to support its activities. In the past, Chairman George Dickenson said the city has given a $200 donation each year.
