Dear Editor,
Beginning on Jan. 1, with the exception of the relief of a locum doctor for two weeks, Dr. M. Shoiab and Dr. M. Mbaoga have maintained the rigorous 24 hour emergency medical care at the Turtleford Intergrated Health Care Center. This has required each of them to be on back to back, (one day on, one day off) on-call duty in addition to conducting clinics. From time to time, each one has had to assume several days and nights of being on call in succession to maintain continuing service while accommodating some time off for their colleague..
These two individuals and their families deserve sincere appreciation for their professional dedication and commitment to provide medical services above and beyond what is expected of a family physician. Their long hours of work have meant the emergency services in this larger health community, which encompasses St. Walburg, Edam and Turtleford and surrounding area, has been maintained. Such has not been the similar circumstance in several health communities in Saskatchewan where after hours emergency services have had to terminated.
They have been assisted with the clinical obligations by nurse practitioner, Natalie Warrington, who has also ably and professionally assisted in the continuance of care at all three clinics and most deservingly, is also a recipient of our gratitude.
While North Saskatchewan River Health Holdings has been working diligently to obtain new doctors or locums, we readily recognize the doctor shortage in this province.
We wish to express our sincere appreciation to these professionals. Please know your professionalism and your dedication to all of us - your patients - has not gone unnoticed nor taken for granted. We are indebted to you. All of you are examples of excellence to your profession.
We equally recognise the sacrifices your families have endured during this trying time. They have spent long hours, day after day, without your presence at home. Thank you to all of them from all of us.
To the patients of this larger health community, when you meet or have reason to visit these individuals we urge you to personally express your appreciation. We are so fortunate t0 have them as members of our community. Additionally, we also urge you to support their families.
Ferne Nielsen
On behalf of the Lakeland Community Health Advisory Network
