City of Kawartha Lakes still facing doctor shortage: Recruitment committee

A committee established to recruit doctors to the City of Kawartha Lakes says seven more family doctors are needed to meet local demand.

Since its inception in 2004, the volunteer-driven Kawartha Lakes Health Care Initiative has recruited 36 family doctors. The non-profit, charitable organization is considered the City’s lead organization for family doctor recruitment and retention.

But the group cautions at least seven additional doctors are needed – and more with doctors nearing retirement.

“This does not include the silver tsunami of upcoming retirements so the need remains critical,” stated Cindy Snider, recruitment and retention coordinator.

The group is seeking charitable donations and business sponsorships to continue its recruitment and retention programs. Ongoing funding from the City of Kawartha Lakes and Ross Memorial Hospital in Lindsay has been about the same since 2004, says Snider.

Additional funding is needed to meet the vision that “everyone living in CKL has a family doctor,” says Snider.

The KLHCI features a volunteer board of directors and one employee. To support the KLHIC, contact Snider at 705-328-6098 or csnider@rmh.org, or visit the KLHCI website.