The town of Rainy River is on the brink of losing doctors.
Two are planning to end their practice at the end of September because of a funding issue related to the clinic.
In a letter penned by Dr. Joseph Ennett, he says contracts with the Ministry of Health do not allow them to receive funding to operate the clinic independently of hospital services.
Dr. Ennett says he will end his service at the end of November to meet contract obligations.
He states talks with the Ministry are taking place and hopes it will alter the funding arrangement to allow the clinic to function independently.
The doctor’s decision will also leave the Rainy River Health Centre without emergency room coverage.
Riverside Health Care says it is looking at how to address the pending loss.
In a statement, Riverside says it is committed to keeping the hospital open.
“Maintaining hospital emergency services in Rainy River is our top priority, and we are working across the organization to address the loss of physicians in the community and the impact on hospital services,” states Riverside.
Riverside is not involved in the agreement between the Ministry and the physicians but does encourage the need for changes that best meet the needs of the community, physicians, and hospital services.
