'Extremely frustrating': Nanaimo residents discuss grappling with family doctor shortage
People in one of Vancouver Island’s largest cities are expressing frustration with their ongoing searches for family doctors – which has been an issue province-wide.
Nanaimo, B.C., resident Nancy Smith says she’s been looking for a new family physician since her doctor retired in July 2019 – and calls the current search "appalling."
"As I’m getting older I would really like to secure a doctor before I need a doctor," she told CTV News on Thursday.
The 59-year-old is relying on virtual apps like Telus Health for prescription refills. She says she’s avoided walk-in clinics like the one at Port Place Shopping Centre downtown.
By 11 a.m. Thursday morning, the clinic had a board up saying it would take 15 people at 5:30 p.m.
"Anything I’m going for, it doesn’t feel like an emergency so I don’t want to take up other people’s time with the doctors," said Smith.
She worries about the lack of routine screenings that’ve fallen off the radar since losing her doctor.
"And potentially that could be life-threatening," she added.
MAYOR WEIGHS IN
Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog says even though the matter falls under provincial jurisdiction, he fields calls from residents asking for help finding physicians who may be taking patients.
"There’s no doubt everything north of the Malahat – we are underserved in a whole series of ranges, let alone family physicians as well," said Krog. "And that’s been a chronic problem for a very long time."
In a statement Thursday, the Ministry of Health touted a list of supports it has announced or is working on to improve the strains across the health-care system.
For example, the province has recently unveiled $118-million in temporary funding for family physicians to help pay overhead costs – in the interest of keeping clinics open.
The ministry also says it’s committed to changing the current payment model, which has long been criticized by family doctors.
"We know the onus on increasing primary care services can’t simply be on family doctors," added ministry spokesperson Matthew Wigmore. "That’s why team-based care, through the soon-to-be-announced Nanaimo Primary Care Network, will be important to this region."
Nanaimo’s mayor tells CTV News he personally meets with new resident doctors, promoting the city as an attractive place to practice. Krog stopped short of suggesting more drastic measures.
"Some communities are desperate and are providing housing for physicians or talking about doing it," he said.
"I don’t know that the taxpayers of Nanaimo would approve of that when you consider that many other employers are also facing staffing shortages," he said.
The group Doctors of BC estimates nearly one-million British Columbians do not have access to a family doctor.
Nanaimo’s Hali Doan says she and her five-month-old son are among them as well.
"I’ve looked within Nanaimo. I’ve also looked to Parksville, Qualicum, Ladysmith," she said.
"Everywhere is either not even taking a waitlist or no one is available. It’s extremely frustrating," said Doan.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.