Doctor's Retirement Highlights Concerns for Local Surgery Services

Dr. William Goodine, a doctor with over four decades of experience, is set to retire in June, sparking significant concerns for the Upper River Valley Hospital in Waterville. His departure, coupled with ongoing staffing shortages, has fueled fears that the hospital's surgical department and its acute care status could be jeopardized. Proposals for surgical care models in the region are viewed as a direct threat to the local program.

Horizon Health CEO Margaret Melanson has reassured the public that the hospital's services will not be downgraded and that recruitment for surgeons is active. She acknowledged current challenges but described potential service interruptions as temporary, emphasizing the goal of sustaining services. Melanson noted that future service levels will depend on ongoing recruitment efforts and evolving surgical care trends.

Despite assurances, municipal leaders, including Andrew Harvey, mayor of the District of Carleton North, have written to the province demanding better support for the hospital. They highlight the hospital's critical role in a large geographical area, underscoring the need for adequate resources to maintain essential services like the 24/7 emergency room.