Some consider involvement in health care a provincial responsibility, but others want to put cash up front to entice doctors to rural communities.
On Monday night, Wellington North Township council agreed to another $10,000 installment as part of regional efforts to entice doctors to northern Wellington County.
This is not the first such donation: In 2005, it was $5,000; 2006, $5,000; and 2007, another $10,000.
But this year, the decision was not unanimous.
Councillor Ross Chaulk does not believe the municipality should be funding health care, which, he said, is a provincial responsibility. He suggested that if Wellington North is providing funds for doctor recruitment in the north, it should be prepared to do the same in the south.
The catchment area for the Wellington North’s portion of the recruitment drive includes all of the township, excluding Arthur village, which is in the catchment area of Groves Memorial Community Hospital, in Fergus.
Chaulk also pointed out that with the budget set to be passed within a week, that particular item was not included.
The reason why it was not included is that the request did not meet the township’s deadline for those seeking donations.
Councillor Dan Yake, countered Chaulk’s arguments.
“I’ve said all along it is money well spent,” Yake said.
He explained doctor recruitment is something that needs to be addressed throughout the township. “We can say whatever we want, and ask for help from the province, but it is not going to come.
“Whether it is about roads or recreation, if we count on the province for funds, we’ll be waiting a long time,” Yake said.
Mayor Mike Broomhead however said now is the time for council to make a decision – before the budget is set.
Yake said the doctor recruitment drive is one means to make Wellington North a better community. “When you look at the amount of $10,000, it is a little less than $1 per person in the community.”
Councillor John Matusinec has mixed feelings on the issue.
While he too, believes health care is a provincial responsibility, he said there was also the local commitment to doctor recruitment.
He asked Yake, who is involved in the recruitment drive if the committee is getting the best bang for its buck.
Yake said he feels there have been significant successes in the past number of years. He cited the medical student days and work placements within the community.
“Someone does not show up at the door and say they want to work in our area.”
Yake said individuals need to be shown what the community has to offer them and their families.
“Every community in the province which is underserviced is fighting to get doctors into the community. They are all struggling with the issue of recruitment,” Yake said.
Chief Administrative Officer Lori Heinbuch questioned part of the proposed budget which included $30,000 for physician incentives.
Yake was uncertain as to how that amount was broken down, but suggested it could be anything from assistance with student loans, moving expenses, or even office space rental assistance.
Council briefly further discussed if the matter should be dealt with that night or wait until March 17 – except that is also the night the budget is expected to pass.
Chaulk questioned the population figures cited in the recruitment document since it seems to assume that “all” Wellington North residents, except those from Arthur village go to the Mount Forest hospital.
Chaulk, who lives near the centre of the former township of Arthur, uses the Fergus hospital, and suggested the usage figures are a bit off.
