The Tay River Health Centre says if it doesn’t receive provincial funding, they’re in danger of closing, leaving more than 10,000 patients in Perth and the region without a family doctor.
The centre submitted an application to the province asking for 2.9 million to cover additional patients desperately searching for a primary care.
The application was filed in partnership with a clinic in Sharbot Lake and is for team-based care. That would cover such things as an after-house clinic, mental health services, women’s health services and dementia care, among others.
Tay River Health Centre Executive Director Kathryn Ransom-Hodges tells myFM the approach improves healthcare overall by easing the burden on doctors.
But even after a positive meeting with ministry officials, the application was rejected, meaning that wish list won’t be fulfilled any time soon. The ripple effect is it will also be more dificult to recruit new doctors to the clinic.
Ransom-Hodges says that really puts them in an unwanted unique position.
Dr. Taylor Ferrier is a physician at the centre. He tells myFM he’s concerned that doctors currently on the roster will be attracted to better-funded locales in larger centres.
The Doctor tells us with the funding they could retain those doctors and increase their already sizeable number of patients.
Dr. Ferrier also says he knows that the Ministry of Health has an incredible task ahead of them when it comes to funding, and the ultimate goal of better care for all Ontarians.
The Town of Perth is now involved. It has officially requested that the Ministry of Health reverse its decision.
Another clinic in the town has received 3.1 million dollars. The town is calling for balance, so there are enough doctors around to serve the aging and expanding population.
Dr. Ferrier spoke to that, saying the problem is the tens of thousands of people expected to land in Lanark County in the coming years.
Ransom-Hodges adds improving care is impossible in their current situation.
Dr. Ferrier’s blunt assessment is if they don’t get the funding to add the team-based services, the doors at the Tay River Health Centre will likely close within two or three years.
You can listen to the full interview below.