Physician training and recruitment updates were on the agenda of the board of North Saskatchewan River Municipal Health Holdings at a regular meeting Oct. 18 at Riverside Health Complex in Turtleford.
Dr. van den Heever was away Oct. 11 to participate in CAPE assessment in Winnipeg. Dr. Mbaogu will be gone the week of Nov. 8 and Dr. Gohil will be gone the week of Nov. 15. Two locum physicians from the SMA have been acquired to cover their absences. Dr. Wirth will be on duty the week of Nov. 8 and Dr. Reitz the week of Nov. 15.
Dr. Madaza has submitted documents to immigration in South Africa. She is still sorting out documentation requirements and the board is hoping for a Dec. 1 arrival. Otherwise she will be required to undergo new assessment procedures that take effect in the New Year.
The board continues to recruit physicians and are hoping to have replacements arrive in time for the new assessment in January. The new assessment rules require the physician to complete all orientation and assessment prior to coming to their respective communities. This means any new physcians eligible to particpate in the January assessment will not arrive until mid-February at the earliest.
Administrator Pat Guenther gave a report on the Alberta Clinic Managers Conference held in Red Deer in September. She also updated the board on Med Access EMR program noting there will be delays in order to ensure effective data conversion.
The board's next meeting is at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 15 at Riverside Health Complex.
Anyone with questions can contact the representative from their area or the office at 845-4144.
