A new physician was welcomed into the community just recently, one who offers services in the important obstetrics/gynocology sector.
Dr. Idris Yekinni and his family arrived in Estevan in early March from Ireland where he had been practising for the past 11 years.
"It was a good time to seek a new challenge and former colleagues of mine who have come to Saskatchewan recommended it as a good place to work," Yekinni said.
He will set up his practice with four other physicians at the Estevan Medical Group clinic on Nicholson Road.
Estevan had found itself underserved in the area of obstetrical service with the departure of Dr. Kasim in November of last year. Kasim had cited a lack of business as being a compelling reason for him to leave.
Greg Hoffort, executive director at St. Joseph's Hospital, said this should not be the case for Dr. Yekinni. He said Dr. Kasim did not have the benefit of a full-time anesthetist when he first arrived in the Energy City, an important period of time when a doctor is attempting to build his practice.
"The city was well down in the doctor count at the time, so many women were scheduling their maternity visits in Regina. Now with the obstetrics unit fully staffed again, we expect the local mothers will be willing to have their babies here. Dr. Yekinni, I believe, is committed to being here, his family is here and he is joining a busy clinic group and is keen on building a long-time practice in Estevan," Hoffort said.
Mothers expecting their first child or those who have pregnancies with complications will benefit from this obstectrics/gynocology specialty service at the hospital, which includes offering the availability of a C-section birth should complications arise. Presently mothers in this position often must travel to Regina to deliver their child.
"Dr. Yekinni also offers support and consultation services for other physicians in Estevan and he has the credentials to perform gynecological procedures and operations at St. Joseph's," Hoffort added.
In the recent past, St. Joseph's has welcomed and cared for in excess of 300 babies per year, so with Dr. Yekinni's arrival, Hoffort said they should be in a position to again meet or exceed that number as part of the health care services to local citizens in a growing community.
The successful recruitment of Yekinni is a result of the collaborative efforts of the hospital, Sun Country Health Region and the Southeast Health Committee. These joint efforts continue to yield success in the community in terms of doctor recruitment.
Dr. Yekinni and his wife Kafila Kenny have two daughters, one who is enrolled at Sacred Heart/Sacre Coeur School and the other in a pre-school education program.
