MPP: Government slow to help with doctor shortage

Perth-Wellington MPP Randy Pettapiece is wondering what is taking the provincial government so long to come through for his constituents without a family doctor.

“Too many families still don’t have a trusted family doctor,” said Pettapiece. “Our family doctors are essential to a strong local health care system.”

Late last year, the office of a long-serving Stratford physician was closed without warning, leaving patients scrambling to find new doctors. Pettapiece’s office has been working to connect them with local resources.

On Dec. 20, he wrote to Minister of Health Deb Matthews to make her aware of the situation; he also requested her aid to ensure that his constituents have the family doctors they need. After more than two months without a response, Pettapiece contacted the minister again on Feb. 24.

He wrote, “Many of my constituents are still without access to a family physician, and have been forced to wait in the emergency room to have prescriptions filled … This is putting an unnecessary strain on the emergency department of our local hospital. It is not an adequate or acceptable long-term solution.”

Last week, after three months and two letters, Pettapiece finally received the minister’s response. He did not find it very encouraging.

“Instead of offering solutions, she just restated the information we already have,” said Pettapiece.

“We need leadership from the government, not a list of programs they already have, which aren’t working the way they should.”

In addition to his letters, Pettapiece submitted a question in the Ontario legislature. He asked the minister to outline the actions taken to attract new doctors to the area over the last year.

“I’m hoping we’ll see a response soon,” concluded Pettapiece.