Skip to content

Local doctors feeling a sense of optimism with new doctor’s announcement

“There are thousands and thousands of local folks who don’t have a family doctor that really need one."
2015 11 24 health_generic doctor

The news of three new doctors taking shop in North Bay in 2016 is welcoming news for physicians like Dr. Paul Preston. 

See that story here: https://www.baytoday.ca/local-news/bneed-a-doctorb-76551

Dr. Preston, who has been practicing in North Bay for nearly 30 years, says he knew the physicians were coming but to hear it officially has been a relief.  

“There are three local kids coming back and they are young,” noted Dr. Preston.   

“Not only are they opening a practice but they are actually investing in bricks and mortar and creating space for themselves, and for more doctors to come, so this is a doubly whammy big news story for primary care in North Bay,” he said. 

On Monday the three doctors announced they will be opening practices early next year called Northern Shores Medical Clinic. They are using online patient intake forms to give them information on people that need a family doctor.

Preston knows from experience that this will be the start of a process that hopes to fill the doctor shortage gap in the city.  

“There are thousands and thousands of local folks who don’t have a family doctor that really need one - everybody needs a family doctor and everyone pays taxes to have one but we have been short as you know,” said Preston noting the passing of physicians last year like Dr. Andre Rivet, who had more than a 3,000 patient load, took its toll. 

The new physicians are currently planning to start with 1,200 patients each plus more doctors are expected to arrive at the new clinic within the next five years.   

Preston says the new clinic will also help take the pressure off walk-in clinics and the emergency department that take in patients without a family doctor on a daily basis.  

“We know walk-in clinics provide less costly care than going to the hospital and it frees up the hospital to focus on the sicker folks, so it’s good for walk-ins and the emergency department,” he said.    

“When you get your primary care from the new doctors then you don’t need to get it from the walk-in clinics which frees up space for other folks to get into the walk-in clinic.” 

 

 

 


Chris Dawson

About the Author: Chris Dawson

Chris Dawson has been with BayToday.ca since 2004. He has provided up-to-the-minute sports coverage and has become a key member of the BayToday news team.
Read more

Reader Feedback