Nineteen family physicians have or will soon be starting work in communities across the Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority, Health, Seniors and Active Living Minister Kelvin Goertzen announced today.
Primary care refers to that early contact with the health-care system when patients and their families receive a diagnosis, treatment or help with a new health problem or chronic condition. Services can also include speaking with a health-care provider about staying healthy and preventing illness.
Physicians have already started or will be coming to several communities over the next several months. 2 will go to the communities of Ashern, Stonewall, Selkirk, and Beausejour. 1 will go to Eriksdale, Arborg, and Brokenhead. Gimli will receive 3.
In addition, three specialists have also been recruited to the region to provide palliative care, surgical and hospital services.
“Physicians in rural communities have told us that at times they feel isolated, and many have left to work in larger centres or facilities where more people and resources are available,” said Goertzen. “To address this, the Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority has been implementing new, team-based models of primary care. Now, these 19 new family physicians are moving to communities across the region, ensuring quality care for rural Manitobans.”
