The upcoming expansion of the Clare Health Centre aims to ensure that every resident in the municipality will have access to a primary care provider within the next few months, according to Nova Scotia Health.
In the quiet town of Concession, N.S., Paul Morris and his wife, like many retirees, eagerly anticipated the peace and serenity of their new life. Yet, nestled within the tranquility lies an unsettling reality—a dire shortage of primary care providers. Three years have passed since they landed on the provincial registry, and hope dwindling with each passing day.
In June 2021, their decision to relocate from bustling Ontario to this picturesque Nova Scotian community seemed idyllic. However, little did they know they were stepping into a healthcare quagmire. Initially, only 6.8% of the locals grappled with the absence of a family doctor. Fast-forward to today and a staggering 20% of the population finds themselves in the same predicament, according to Nova Scotia Health data.
Their optimism, however, is tinged with skepticism, as promises made by authorities remain unfulfilled. "Mr. Houston said he was going to fix this. We're waiting," Morris remarked, echoing the sentiments of many who have endured this prolonged ordeal.
The situation is alarming; the number of individuals clamoring for a family practice has more than doubled since 2021, with over 153,000 souls languishing on the waiting list as of February 1st. What's even more distressing is that approximately 10% of them have been enduring this agonizing wait for over three years, their fate shrouded in uncertainty.
Health Minister Michelle Thompson acknowledges the gravity of the issue, attributing it to a myriad of challenges, including population growth and the closure of medical practices. But for those like Morris, hope flickers in the form of an upcoming health center expansion in the Municipality of Clare—a beacon of promise amidst the gloom.
Scheduled to open its doors in the summer of 2024, the Clare Health Centre expansion promises relief with its envisaged cadre of 12 physicians. Anique Dugas, the spokesperson for the Municipality of Clare, affirms that every resident will soon have access to a primary care provider, breathing a sigh of relief into the anxious hearts of many.
However, the road ahead remains fraught with uncertainties. Dr. Leisha Hawker, past president of Doctors Nova Scotia, sounds the alarm, warning of impending retirements among a quarter of doctors over the age of 60. She emphasizes the urgency of recruitment and retention efforts to stave off an impending crisis.
For now, Morris finds solace in same-day appointments at the Clare Health Centre, a temporary respite as he bides his time on the registry. With a tinge of optimism, he hopes their community's plight serves as a blueprint for the province, a glimmer of hope amidst the gathering storm.
