A new family doctor is scheduled to come to Saugeen Shores next Fall.
CAO Larry Allison tells Saugeen Shores council, they have an agreement with Doctor Julie Gibb, who is prepared to relocate to the municipality next Fall after completion of her medical education.
Doctor Gibb will set up practice in the Port Elgin Medical Clinic and has indicated she will be taking on a larger than current-day-standard family practice over time but will not be doing any ER work at the Southampton Hospital.
A standard family practice is anywhere from 900-to-1,100 patients.
Allison says because of the increased size, nature and full time commitment to being a family doctor, at the Doctor Earl Health Centre, Allison says they need to accelerate the completion of the remainder of the clinic that was scheduled in the capital forecast for sometime in the future.
He says staff will be bringing a budget proposal to councillors in the coming weeks to fast-track the work at an estimated cost of $200,000.
The agreement states that if funds are not allocated for 2016, the deal could be terminated by either party.
However for now, Doctor Gibb contemplates a 10-year commitment to the community.
It was mentioned her parents, from Sudbury, are also moving to Saugeen Shores.
Allison says Dr. Gibb has already done some short-term locums and has developed a rapport with colleagues in the Port Elgin clinic.
Overall, Allison states, the existing complement of family doctors in Saugeen Shores has now been stabilized but they still look for ER physicians.
For those that still do not have a doctor, council urged them to register with Health Care Connect at 1-866-532-3161.
