Grey Bruce Health services has 15 new doctors this year.
Owen Sound Hospital held a welcome gathering Friday for the physicians who have started practicing locally this year.
Owen Sound Hospital has two new Emergency Room doctors, and Southampton has one new ER doctor.
There are also three more new in hospital doctors, as well as four new family physicians.
GBHS President and CEO Lance Thurston says the new hires are filling some much needed positions, some left open from retirements.
But, Thurston adds there are still some areas that need doctors, particularly one or two more ER doctors in Owen Sound.
He says there is a need for a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry specialist but they have good leads on recruitment, and Thurston adds a physician from London will be providing services in the area soon.
Thurston says GBHS is looking for another Ophthalmologist.
He says a recent study shows Grey Bruce could use a fourth to serve current and growing demand for an ageing area.
Thurston says Southampton hospital has faced some challenges covering shifts in the past but the recent addition of ER doctor Adam Kading has substantially helped to fill staffing gaps.
Thurston credits the help of his volunteer and full-time physician recruiters, and the GBHS medical affairs office who have been promoting Grey Bruce as a great place to live and practice.
Thurston says Grey Bruce Health services is known throughout the system as a leader in research and quality of care.
In addition to the 15 new doctors there are two new family medicine residents from McMaster University.
GBHS has an average of 20 medical students and residents a month.
Both South Bruce Peninsula and Saugeen Shores have recently been taken off the province’s “Community in need” list for doctor recruitment.
The change has sparked criticism from municipalities.
Being on the list allows new doctors to receive funding to set up their practices.