Family doctors in Saskatoon are no longer taking on new patients.
As of September 12, no clinics in the Saskatoon area were taking on new patients, according to information on the Saskatchewan Health Authority website. The list will be updated if this circumstance changes, according to the website.
Shamarika Kane lost her family doctor after their business closed and they switched to the hospital sector.
I’ve been looking for a family doctor for a while,” the Saskatoon resident stated.
“I have been visiting that site rather frequently. I’ve also called clinics and medi-clinics, but I haven’t been successful in finding a doctor till three months have passed.
She claimed that no doors are opening and that there is no direction as to what should be done next.
In essence, she continued, “you’re on your own.”
Because of a brain tumour, an aneurysm, and brain surgeries, I have a pretty serious brain damage.
Since my family doctor coordinated the experts, was aware of my illness, and knew my history, it has taken years for me to recover. Now, I am without that.
She claimed that on her darkest days, she was totally helpless.
“I’m just anxious because I’m unsure whether to visit a clinic or not. With my severe ailments, can they recommend me to specialists? Should I go to emergency? I’m adrift.
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The Saskatchewan College of Family Physicians’ president, Andries Muller, stated that this is the outcome of a system that has been under pressure for some time.
The COVID-19 outbreak has undoubtedly made things worse, but Muller asserted that this is only the straw that finally broke the camel’s head.
He claimed that numerous patients have been overlooked as medical professionals have been working to catch up.
Additionally, several of their ailments actually worsened during that time because they weren’t seen, necessitating more treatment for some of them.
Muller said that several doctors made early retirements as a result of the pandemic.
There is an abundance of work to be done and not enough bodies to complete it.
He claimed that similar pressures are also flooding walk-in clinics and emergency rooms.
Saskatoon family doctor Dr. Adam Ogieglo claims he hasn’t accepted any new patients in a very long time.
“If a new doctor joins and has an open practice, they will fill up basically immediately,” Ogieglo said.
He said this wasn’t a problem that developed overnight, adding that he was hearing about this in 2009 when he was a medical student.
He suggested the use of physician assistants, adding that not everything needs to be done by the family physician.
Ogieglo said investment in primary care is important, and that it can prevent more extreme health issues.
According to Ogieglo, “if a new doctor joins and has an open practise, they will very much fill up right away.”
He added that he first heard about this issue in 2009, when he was a medical student, and that it hadn’t arisen overnight.
He added that not everything needed to be done by the family physician and recommended the use of medical assistants.
Investment in primary care, according to Ogieglo, is crucial and can help avoid more serious health problems.
Saskatoon resident left stranded after clinics shut their doors to new patients says, “I’m adrift.”
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