As the need for family doctors and other primary care practitioners intensifies throughout the nation, Peterborough County is hitting the road to talk about its own recruitment efforts.
The county is hosting a series of “911 Local Healthcare” town hall meetings, with the next one running on Saturday (October 5) in the Municipality of Trent Lakes. Trent Lakes residents are invited to join the meeting at 10 a.m. at the Cavendish Community Hall, located at 18 Community Complex Dr. in Buckhorn, to hear about the county’s efforts and learn how they can also be part of the solution.
Lori Richey, Peterborough County’s healthcare advancement coordinator, is hosting seven in-person town hall meetings and some virtual gatherings as well for those unable to attend the in-person events.
“The goal of the town hall is to share, in person, the work that is being done on their behalf to attract and retain primary care physicians/nurse practitioners in Peterborough County, to educate the public about the current state of the health system, and to discuss how they can become involved — as it takes a community to care for a community,” Richey told kawarthaNOW.
The county shares the following reasons for attending the October 5th town hall: you are a resident of Trent Lakes, you want to know how to access medical care if you do not have a family physician, or you want to help in your community’s efforts to recruit and retain family physicians.
The session encompasses an introduction to Richey and her role, which the county says is “a pivotal addition to our community-focused initiatives.” Established in the fall of 2023, the position was specifically designed to address the unique health needs of residents across the eight lower-tier townships.
“With a primary objective of attracting and retaining family physicians in Peterborough County, our coordinator also prioritizes health education to empower individuals with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions,” the county said about Richey’s role.
Richey has more than 28 years of experience in the health care sector, which includes previously serving as executive director and physician recruiter with the Peterborough Family Health Team.
During the town hall, attendees will find out how to keep up-to-date on current advocacy efforts and learn about the county’s healthcare needs assessment form and the “healthcare ambassador” initiatives, along with Peterborough County’s healthcare resource guide. They’ll also learn how they can help attract physicians to their community.
While no registration is required to attend the October 5th session, the county asks residents to arrive at the hall shortly before 10 a.m.
According to the Canadian Medical Association (CMA), more than one in five Canadians — an estimated 6.5 million people — don’t have a family doctor or nurse practitioner they see regularly.
In addition, the CMA says the number of family doctors “isn’t keeping pace with demand.” The federal government expects Canada to be short nearly 20,000 family doctors to fill job openings up to 2031, the CMA noted.
Back in Peterborough County, upcoming “911 Local Healthcare” town halls include:
- Township of Selwyn: Tuesday, November 12 at 7 p.m. in council chambers at the Township of Selwyn building (1310 Centre Line, Selwyn)
- Township of Douro-Dummer: Wednesday, November 13 at 7 p.m. in the Harvest Room of the Douro Community Centre (2893 Highway 28, Douro)
For more information about Peterborough County’s efforts on physician recruitment and health education, visit the “Your Health Matters” page at www.ptbocounty.ca/yourhealthmatters.
