M.D. ready to cut through red tape

Chris Clegg
South Peace News

An ongoing staffing shortage at the High Prairie Hospital is being addressed in political circles by the M.D. of Big Lakes. The M.D. is taking a resolution to the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties conference Nov. 19-22 in Edmonton. The problem with having enough doctors and nurses in High Prairie - and other rural communities in Alberta for that matter - is partly because of red tape the M.D. is trying to eliminate. The problem arises in medical certification from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta, which has the strictest guidelines in the country for anyone to practice medicine. The M.D.’s resolution recognizes most medical staff in rural Alberta get training abroad. When they come to Alberta, they must receive certification from the College of Physicians and Surgeons. At times, it can be a lengthy process related to immigration, not only certification. “Therefore, be it resolved that the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties urge the provincial government to expedite processes related to immigration and certification through the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta when recruiting qualified medical staff,” reads the resolution. The resolution was presented to the M.D. council at its meeting Nov. 14. Councillors were unanimous in their praise for the work done in completing the resolution. “Looks pretty good to me,” says Prairie Echo, Salt Prairie Councillor David Marx. The M.D. is not 100 per cent confident the resolution will be allowed at the conference, given its late submission date. If not, however, the M.D. can always raise the issue during a bearpit session when many Alberta ministers attend. In the past, action has resulted from bearpit sessions. The ongoing staff shortages at the High Prairie Hospital were updated at the High Prairie Community Health Council meeting Nov. 14. Les Taylor says a recruitment drive earlier this year to attract nurses to Peace Country Health have proven successful for High Prairie. “We had one RN start last week, another RN is coming in this week.” However, because of staff shortages the hospital is still operating with only 12 beds. The M.D.’s effort is being heartily endorsed by the CHC and the High Prairie Physician Retention Committee.

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