There are two new doctors setting up shop in Blind River with separate practices and schedules to work in the local hospital.
That was part of the presentation made by Huron North recruitment coordinator Alyssa Spooney to Blind River council Monday.
Spooney does doctor recruitment for the north shore, including Blind River, Thessalon, Gore Bay, Richards Landing, Bruce Mines and Manitoulin Island.
Spooney is responsible for recruitment of family physicians and locums who fill in for vacationing doctors across the north shore from Manitoulin Island to St. Joseph’s Island. She also assists with accommodations and provides support for recruiting health care professionals.
“I coordinate their welcome packages and we work with the chairs of each (health network) committees to ensure they know the opportunities and different things that are going on in the communities,” she told council. “We want them to come here to work, but yes we want to show them the beautiful community we live in so that they are able to see what Blind River has to offer.”
Dr. Chad Workman is opening up his clinic and accepting patients for the month of November, according to Spooney. He is accompanied by his partner Dr. Kathleen Murphy and two children. Dr. Murphy will be opening her office in December to new patients.
The Huron Shores Family Health Team has a full complement of six doctors. However, Spooney said, despite having the full complement there is an indication two retirements could be taking place in the next two to five years.
Recruitment efforts continue.