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By Corey Fischer
Community Facing Doctor Shortage

Community Facing Doctor Shortage

Mar 11, 2019 | 1:29 PM

Lumby will losing one of its two doctors as of this summer, which is why a pilot project for a walk in clinic has come to an end.

Ev Reade, vice chair of the  the Lumby and District Health Society, says the facility closed last week as the remaining physician, Dr. Alex Barrs, will not be able to operate the clinic by himself.

“The remaining doctor already has a full case load of patients and he is not able to accept more patients at this time. Basically, the walk in clinic creates extra work for the doctors and the medical office staff pertaining to the follow up of lab and other test results and monitoring the patients,” Reade tells Beach Radio News

The other physician, Dr. Adam Burnett, is moving to another community as of July 14, 2019.

Reade says the society is trying to find another doctor to come to the village.

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“The society’s mission is to help facilitate and maintain health services for the community, so therefore the society is continuing to work hard to find another physician.”

Reade says it will be a challenge to be down to just one doctor in the community.

“It’s unfortunate. We’re back doing a struggle that many other communities face as well,” adds Reade.

by Corey Fischer

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