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Finding a GP in Sooke: A community forum

One of the top issues in health care facing some Sooke residents is finding a family doctor in their own community.

One of the top issues in health care facing some Sooke residents is finding a family doctor in their own community.

This issue is particularly problematic for new residents and for people whose own doctors are retiring.

Despite the successful recruitment of a new family physician to the West Coast Family Medical Clinic, and efforts by local physicians to extend hours and offer Urgent Care Clinics, it is not possible to find a doctor in Sooke who is taking new patients.  People who seek services elsewhere such as Langford are up against a similar problem.

“I think the key to a healthy community is to ensure access to primary health care services,” reported Mayor Wendal Milne.

At the mayor and council’s invitation, a meeting was held earlier this year with the South Island Division of Family Practice to explore solutions to physician shortages.

The division was recently awarded funding from BCMA and the Ministry of Health to begin Phase 1 of “A GP for Me” initiative.  This phase will allow the division to meet with people in their own communities to learn about their experiences getting the care they need.

The division also wants to get ideas on how to create a health care system that works for them.

The Sooke Region Community Health Initiative (CHI) will be helping the division launch phase 1 on November 30 with a community forum to be held from 12 to 3 p.m. at the Prestige hotel.  Everyone is welcome to attend.  To help us plan refreshments, RSVP to info@sookeregionresources.com or leave a message at 250-642-6364 ext 235.

For information contact www.soookeregionresources.com.