Tillsonburg Explores Municipal Clinic to Address Doctor Shortage

The town of Tillsonburg, Ontario is taking steps to address its growing shortage of family physicians by considering the establishment of a municipally operated medical clinic. The town council has endorsed a motion to conduct a feasibility study to examine whether this initiative could effectively attract and retain family doctors in the area.

Residents like Mary Arthur, a senior living in Tillsonburg, have expressed urgent needs for medical care. Arthur has been searching for a family doctor for several months without success, relying on medication for her debilitating arthritis. “My pills, I need them, because here, it’s not good,” she stated. Her situation reflects a broader issue; according to the Ontario Medical Association (OMA), approximately 2.5 million Ontarians currently lack access to a family physician.

Growing Demand for Health Services

The demand for healthcare services is increasing in Tillsonburg, as noted by Councillor Kelly Spencer. “Our population has grown, so there’s more people,” she explained. Some residents are forced to drive up to two hours to see their former doctors from previous locations. This situation underscores the urgent need for accessible healthcare.

Under the proposed model, the municipal clinic would directly employ family physicians. Councillor Spencer emphasized that this approach could provide a cost-neutral solution for the municipality, ensuring that taxpayers would not bear additional financial burdens. “We, like everyone else, are short of physicians and primary care practitioners. We have doctors retiring, and this would be a way for the town to secure healthcare resources,” she added.

Concerns About Competition and Resources

While the idea of a municipally operated clinic may seem promising, concerns have been raised about its implications for the healthcare landscape. Dr. Zainab Abdurrahman, President of the OMA, warned that communities may inadvertently create competition for healthcare resources. “I do worry that when we start to push for these municipalities to provide, whether it’s buildings or large incentives, it really starts to pit communities against each other,” she explained. This competition could lead to disparities in healthcare access, with some areas benefiting while others may suffer.

The feasibility study is expected to return to the Tillsonburg council by Spring 2024. If the proposal moves forward, it could mark a significant milestone as potentially the first municipally operated medical clinic in Ontario.

For residents like Mary Arthur, the hope for improved healthcare access is palpable. “What can I do? Nothing. I just wait and hope to God, and hope it’s still, and hope it’s ok. I don’t know,” she reflected. The urgency for a solution is clear, as many locals share her plight in navigating the challenges of securing medical care.