City allots additional funds for physician recruitment

City council authorized funds on Monday that could go a long way in improving and saving the lives of many local residents.

$464,850 in funding was approved by council at Monday night’s meeting and will go towards the physician recruitment and retention committee.

The committee has been around since 2002 and 71 physicians have been recruited in that time.

Christine Pagnucco, manager of the Recruitment and Retention Committee, said only seven doctors left before the end of their four-year agreement.

"I don't believe physician's leaving after they reach an agreement is an issue," said Pagnucco. "Although that is something we are keeping an eye on. We are currently looking at possibly implementing a physician mentorship program so new physicians will have someone who will help integrate them into the local community."

Integration into the life in the Sault is a key part to the recruitment aspect of the committee.

Pagnucco said physicians are given a glimpse local life through a site visit; which sees physicians, their spouse and family come to the Sault.

Funding for the committee will come from a different source this year.

In the past, support money came from 5 percent slot machine revenue, but this year funds will come from the hospital development reserve.

Bill Freiburger, city treasurer and commissioner, said the hospital reserve has a surplus of $1.5 million which can be used to support the committee.

"We have around three years of funding in that reserve right now for this committee," said Freiburger. "After that we'll have to look at reviewing where the money will come from, but right now there is funding that will not impact tax revenue."

In her report to council, Pagnucco said four new physicians have been added since April 1 and three more contacts are out for signatures.

Pagnucco’s report showed the ageing state of doctors in the Sault - 48 percent of local physicians and 41 percent of specialists are over 50-years of age – which she thinks further proves the need for new doctors.

She added the drive for new physicians is helped by the new Sault Area Hospital – something that has proven to be a major attraction.

"The North has seen North Bay, Sudbury, Timmins and Thunder Bay get new hospitals, so the new Sault Area Hospital was vital in keeping a level playing field and it's something attractive to potential new physicians."