Healthcare was the big talking point during delegations of the June 28 council meeting for the City of Quinte West.
Three speakers spoke about the importance of the healthcare system.
First to speak was Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Quinte West, David Clazie, who discussed Health PULSE.
The partnership between the City of Quinte West, City of Belleville, Prince Edward County, Hastings County, Quinte Health and Loyalist College looks to address local healthcare challenges.
Clazie outlined different challenges to the healthcare system, saying that the population growth in Hastings and Prince Edward counties combined would see an increase of 60,000 people by 2050 and that the senior population was expected to grow by 50% over the next 30 years.
“The region needs an effective health care system and that means a strong hospital supported by a range of community-based health services,” Clazie told council.
“Given how social determinants of health are driving up healthcare needs, we need to look more broadly at services like housing, community paramedics, long-term care and social services to support this.”
Also outlined was establishing a local pipeline of healthcare workers to help with the long-term stability of the local system.
Clazie finished by saying the group would also be advocating to the provincial government for their partnership to help provide more resources.
Health PULSE had also been discussed by CAOs at other locations including the City of Belleville and the City of Quinte West.
Chief Administrative Officer for City of Quinte West, David Clazie, presenting to council about Health PULSE. June 28, 2023. (Photo: Zach McGibbon/Quinte News)
Speaking after was Wendy Parker, the Executive Director of Lakeview Family Health Team, to provide an overview about the Hastings Prince Edward Public Health Team.
Parker outlined the beginnings of the team, the different partners, and areas of focus for the team.
Among the four areas of focus outlined were Mental Health and Addictions Integration with Primary Care, Community Optimization, Strengthening Local Primary Care and Health System Responsiveness and Preparedness.
Finally, Paula Mason with Docs by the Bay came up to give the latest update on recruiting physicians to the region.
Mason says two physicians have accepted to practise, matching the total amount brought in last year.
She said under 100 prospects are in the database to try and attract to the area.
Mason says the prospects range from high school age to practising physicians.
“We’re working that pipeline of nearly 100 prospects, keeping track of who’s at what school, what year they’re in and what their plans are and tracking any time we’ve met with them or spoken to them,” Mason told council.
Also outlined to council was ways they could help support the recruitment of physicians, one of which was to help spouses with career opportunities.
“So, often we’ll reach out to individuals in the certain area that the person may be employable in and try to make some contacts for them to at least get in front of the people that may have the potential to employ them,” Mason said.
“So it’s really important that we take care of those spouses just as much as we take care of the physicians because a lot of times it’s the spouse making these decisions, too. So it’s really important that we look after them.”
Mason had also asked the province for more advocacy to have easier access to licensing for International Medical Graduates (IMGs).
Paula Mason with Docs by the Bay presenting the latest in physician recruitment to the area. June 28, 2023. (Photo: Zach McGibbon/Quinte News)
