Hundreds Seek Family Physicians at Kanata Health Clinic

A significant demand for family physicians was evident on March 2, 2024, as hundreds of individuals lined up for hours at the Active Care clinic in Kanata, a suburb of Ottawa. The clinic announced it would accept between 400 to 600 new patients, primarily assigning them to physician assistants (PAs). This initiative comes amid a growing shortage of healthcare providers in Ontario, intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many attendees, like Alison Boughey, expressed a sense of urgency in their quest for medical care. Boughey, who waited nearly four hours, highlighted her struggle to find a family doctor after her previous physician relocated to Trenton, Ontario. “We’ve been without a family doctor for about five years, and it’s like a golden ticket people are walking out with today,” she remarked, reflecting a sentiment shared by numerous others in line.

The Ontario Medical Association (OMA) reported that over 2.5 million residents in the province currently lack access to a family physician. According to OMA data, Ontario has approximately 2.8 physicians for every 1,000 people, with a concerning 40 percent considering retirement. This shortage has compelled many to seek alternatives, with some relying on walk-in clinics like the Appletree Medical Centre.

Rajwual Chirammal was among those hoping to secure a new physician. He noted that his current doctor is closing his practice, leaving him in search of a replacement. “I currently have a family doctor, but he is closing his practice. I think his letter said he can’t take it anymore,” Chirammal shared as he waited for the registration period to end. His wife, who had joined the queue at 6 a.m., faced a long wait before they could confirm their status with the clinic.

Long Waits and Limited Options

As the registration continued, Boughey estimated that around 250 people were ahead of her when she arrived at 8 a.m. The clinic’s voicemail indicated new patients would be accepted from 8 a.m. to noon, but some individuals had begun lining up as early as 4:30 a.m.. “I’m hoping that they’re still accepting patients by the time I get to my place at the door in line,” she said, highlighting the anxiety surrounding the process.

Another hopeful, Marlene Vieira, recently moved to Ottawa from the Halliburton Highlands. She expressed frustration at her inability to find a doctor, stating, “I thought that coming to a big city, it would be easy to get another doctor. But I have not been able to even get on a wait list anywhere.” Vieira’s experience illustrates the widespread nature of the problem, as many newcomers to urban areas expect better access to healthcare.

The secretary at the Active Care clinic, Belinda Manuel, confirmed that the facility currently employs around eight physicians and three PAs. These PAs play a vital role in reducing wait times and enhancing patient access to care. They are authorized to perform physical examinations, write referrals, and prescribe certain medications, although they cannot prescribe narcotics.

Addressing the Healthcare Crisis

The ongoing healthcare crisis in Ontario has prompted discussions about potential solutions. The OMA acknowledged recent investments in primary care as a positive step but emphasized that the population’s healthcare needs continue to exceed available resources. The need for effective strategies to attract and retain healthcare professionals remains critical.

As the situation unfolds, individuals across Ontario continue to seek solutions to the pressing issue of access to family physicians. The long lines at the Active Care clinic serve as a stark reminder of the challenges many face in securing essential healthcare services. The need for innovative approaches and policy reforms will be essential in addressing the physician shortage and improving healthcare access for all residents.