Ryerson Council Proposes Innovative Funding Model for Doctors

Ryerson Township Council is actively pursuing a unique approach to address the ongoing shortage of medical professionals in the area. During a meeting on October 14, 2023, council members discussed the potential for a collaborative initiative with neighboring municipalities to pool resources and hire additional healthcare staff, such as nurse practitioners or physicians. This initiative aims to alleviate the burden on the local healthcare system, which currently has over 800 individuals on its waitlist for primary care services.

Council member Dan Robertson emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “We can’t keep relying on the feds or higher levels of government to step in and fix this problem.” He noted that the actual number of residents without a primary care provider could exceed the official waitlist figures, underscoring the need for immediate local intervention. Despite discussions at higher government levels, Robertson expressed frustration over the lack of tangible solutions.

Exploring Alternative Models

The council’s conversation included a model implemented in British Columbia, as proposed by fellow council member Delynne Patterson. This model involves a municipality directly funding a physician’s salary while managing all requisite administrative tasks. Patterson highlighted that this approach allows healthcare providers to dedicate their time entirely to patient care, potentially increasing the number of patients they can effectively serve.

While there was significant support for exploring this model, Glenn Miller, another council member, raised concerns about the financial implications for local taxpayers. He cautioned against burdening ratepayers further, especially given the existing high levels of tax arrears. Miller referred to the healthcare issue as a “federal and provincial bailiwick,” indicating that support from higher levels of government is essential.

Despite these concerns, the consensus among council members was that local action is crucial to remedy the healthcare crisis. Robertson argued, “It could be argued that we’re much better at making dollars into real things than the higher levels of government,” reinforcing the council’s commitment to finding a viable solution.

Next Steps for Implementation

Ryerson Township is currently a participant in the Almaguin Highlands Health Coalition (AHHC), which encompasses approximately ten municipalities. The council has agreed to pursue a detailed cost analysis regarding the funding of healthcare positions, should the expenses be shared among AHHC members.

Additionally, there are plans to invite Debbie Raymar, the executive director of AHHC, to the next tri-council meeting. Her presence will provide an opportunity to delve into practical details regarding the implementation of the proposed funding model.

As the Ryerson Township Council moves forward with this innovative plan, the community awaits further developments that could significantly impact healthcare accessibility in the region.