North Saskatchewan River Municipal Health Holdings held their regular meeting June 20 at the RM of Mervin office in Turtleford.
Both physicians taking the college assessment have returned to South Africa. One of the physicians was unable to complete the assessment and the other physician elected to return as well.
Prairie North Health Region and Health Holdings did their best to convince them to stay and offered options for them, according to a press release.
"We are all disappointed and are working hard to find support for Dr. Shoaib and Dr. Mbaogu," the release states.
Two professional recruiters plus Sask Docs, PNHR and Health Holdings are working to find physicians.
"We have never stopped recruiting and endeavour to follow ever lead. It is very disheartening but we will continue to work hard in efforts to find physicians for our communities," states the release
Clinic staff have completed privacy workshops provided by PNHR. These workshops updated staff on privacy issues and how to deal with them. Colleen Hall has been appointed privacy officer for the clinics.
Conversion to the new electronics medical record program may be delayed until later this fall or next year. Prairie North Staff and or clinic staff have been working to correct data on the present program to ensure a smooth conversion. Website upgrading to add information about recreational opportunities in the area that will be attractive to new physicians is ongoing.
Nurse Practitioner Warrington will be off for holidays for the month of July and Dr. Mbaogu will be gone for month of August. Clinics will be sort staffed so patients are urged to keep that situation in mind for prescription renewals and routine appointments.
The next regular meeting of the board will be Monday, July 18 at 7:30 p.m. in the RM of Mervin office.
