NH Works On Fragile Primary Care Services

By 250 News

Prince George, B.C. - Northern Health continues to work with a number of rural communities that are struggling with fragile primary care services...

Northern Health CEO, Cathy Ulrich, says Burns Lake has been the most recent focus of attention, with the three remaining physicians in that community threatening to resign at the end of April. 

Ulrich says, "It is in somewhat of a crisis situation - they need probably five to seven physicians in that community and right now they have three and we fill the gaps with locum coverage and the physicians that are there are working very hard and the workload is extensive."

She says Northern Health is working closely with the physicians and Ministry officials to find a short-term resolution, as well as a more sustainable long-term model of primary care, multi-disciplinary, and "something that is attractive for new recruits in the Burns Lake area."

The CEO says Northern Health is also working with physicians and municipal leaders in Fort St. James, Mackenzie, and Hudson's Hope on primary care services.  She says in Fort St. James and Hudson's Hope have primary care physicians in place, but a number have indicated they'd like to retire soon, so proactive planning is underway.

Northern Health's Board of Directors met Tuesday and yesterday in Burns Lake, the board is expecting to end the fiscal year with a balanced budget or small surplus.

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