Editor:
In the May 9, 2012 edition of the Lakes District News in the editorial, you stated, “it’s not a turf war, it’s simply expanding community services...” suggesting you believe competition is good.
Then you toss off a disparaging comment about the new health clinic. The clinic is the competition we believe is needed to improve the health care situation here.
There is no doubt that the community has not had an adequate number of doctors for almost five years.
Members of our society felt that the best way to address this lack was to vigorously recruit new physicians.
Last year, in interviews with physicians leaving our community, we were told that several issues had been pivotal in their decision to leave.
They wanted a modern, clean working environment and several had worked in paperless clinics.
They needed a healthier work-life balance, so they could enjoy the Lakes District and spend time with their families and they wanted a positive working relationship with Northern Health.
We approached the present medical clinic staff and asked about working together to make the changes to improve recruitment and retention of physicians.
We presented different options on at least three occasions and were turned down each time.
The present situation is not working, nor will it allow for the kind of growth we want to see in our district.
We are in contact with Northern Health on a weekly basis and have their full support, including a letter of support for our clinic.
We have 25 letters of support from community members and businesses in Burns Lake. We also have one from our MLA, John Rustad.
We have received a substantial donation to our society from a local group and are working with Community Futures Nadina, so it would appear that all these people believe it is time for a new approach.
We want to have a family practice with a pleasant clinic environment and a resident doctor who can provide continuity of care.
Profits from our clinic will be put back into the clinic for the benefit of our community. We are the one group that does not have a hidden agenda at the table.
We simply want to provide better health care for the community. It is my hope that this will clear the air about what is going on with the Lakes Community Clinic. I am always happy to answer any questions regarding our project.
Sincerely,
Paula Van Tine