Home / Health / New Clinic Opens to Tackle Doctor Shortage
New Clinic Opens to Tackle Doctor Shortage
10 Feb
Summary
- Goldstream Medical Clinic opened to ease doctor shortages on southern Vancouver Island.
- The clinic aims to serve 12,500 patients needing a family doctor.
- The clinic was established through community fundraising and city support.
The Goldstream Medical Clinic in Langford, B.C., has opened its doors, marking a significant step in addressing the physician shortage on the south island. This initiative, driven by community fundraising and the city of Langford's support, will serve 12,500 registered patients seeking a family doctor.
The clinic's modern interior boasts 14 examination rooms and staff offices. Initially staffed by three doctors, it anticipates growing to ten by the end of the year. Dr. Eleanor Granger, who relocated from the U.K., expressed her commitment to the community, stating, "We see the need for primary care here, and we are here for you."
This facility is the fifth established by the South Island Primary Care Society, which has recruited 33 doctors globally over the past two years, with more physicians interested than available positions. The city of Langford contributed $1.7 million towards the clinic's setup.
Mayor Scott Goodmanson emphasized the city's proactive stance, stating, "We can't just stick our head in the sand like an ostrich and ignore it." The clinic's opening is seen as a model for solving the primary care crisis, with two more facilities already planned for Metchosin and Victoria.
