Chris Clegg
South Peace News

Efforts will be made to forage a better relationship between the High Prairie Medical Clinic and Alberta Health Services, citizens heard at a public meeting July 14.

The meeting was called by High Prairie town council to get to the bottom of why is it so difficult to recruit doctors to town. Council also wanted to address concerns by the High Prairie Medical Clinic, owned and operated by Dr. Robin Laughlin and Dr. Pam Edwards, who have stated AHS is hampering efforts to recruit doctors.

Town council also invited Big Lakes County council to attend. Both councils were sympathetic to the High Prairie Medical Clinic citing its many years of exemplary service. They were quick to question the practices of AHS.

AHS north zone medical director Dr. Kevin Worry opened the meeting by saying recruitment “isn’t always a simple process”. He said many factors are considered including population and common diseases. Other needs such as baby delivery and the number of doctors needed to manage an emergency room are also considered, in accordance with the workforce plan now being updated and rewritten.

“Overall, High Prairie needs eight physicians as a core,” said Dr. Worry, citing a doctor for every 1,500 residents served.

However, Mayor Linda Cox disputed the number.

“How do you arrive at 12,000? I believe it’s 20,000.”

Dr. Worry replied the numbers were taken from AHS and “multiple sources”.

“I would suggest you look at Statistics Canada and look at the population,” said Cox, adding she would forward the numbers to AHS.

Dr. Worry said doctors were chosen carefully.

“We want to avoid high physician turnover. We’ve seen that in High Prairie.”

Still, at heart was the difficulty in getting doctors to come to town. Dr. Worry said the High Prairie Medical Clinic could recruit as many fully licenced physicians as they would like for their private clinic without support from AHS.

“You can’t work in Alberta without a [licence] from the Alberta College of Physicians and Surgeons,” said Dr. Worry, adding some overseas doctors cannot get a licence because they don’t meet the college’s standards.

And, of course, free choice.

“It’s up to private physicians where they choose to work,” said Dr. Worry.

He added all physicians coming to High Prairie for tours were offered tours of both clinics, and the opportunity to talk to the High Prairie Medical Clinic.

Dr. Edwards said the system was not fair and disputed Dr. Worry’s claims.

“I think there is some confusion,” she said. “We can hire a physician already practicing in Alberta. We can only get physicians who are already practicing in Alberta. AHS can recruit around the world. It’s not an even playing field.”

She added amenities are also a consideration for doctors choosing where to live.

“High Prairie has [few] amenities,” she said. “Grande Prairie is considered a rural community.”

She asked Dr. Worry how many Canadian doctors were working in the AHS High Prairie Health and Wellness Clinic.

“None,” said Dr. Worry. “They won’t come here.”

AHS associate zone medical director Richard Dr. Ibach also spoke, citing the reason for the newly-formed wellness clinic.

“I think we’re here for a reason,” he said. “There have been some gaps [in] physician recruitment.”

Big Lakes County Councillor Ann Stewart was still concerned.

“I want to know if Dr. Laughlin’s clinic gets the same opportunity,” she asked Worry.

“Any physician coming in has to see both clinics,” said Dr. Worry. “Then the physician can choose.”

However, Stewart added a recent letter authored by Dr. Laughlin suggested otherwise.

Dr. Worry said AHS was more than willing to meet with the High Prairie Medical Clinic to discuss concerns.

“We want to make sure they have input,” he said. “Dr. Laughlin and Dr. Edwards are highly respected.”

Stewart was not convinced or impressed.

“We’ve went backwards for 40 years in High Prairie,” she said, citing the fact that such services as baby delivery and CT Scans were available.

Dr. Edwards said they had a doctor willing to come to town.

“Why was the physician refused? Tell us why. You have denied that doctor. Tell us why.”

Dr. Worry said there were “multiple reasons” but would not elaborate unless he had permission of the doctor first.

“I’m planning on retiring soon,” said Dr. Edwards.”

Dr. Worry said he was unaware of her impending retirement and added it was his understanding that the High Prairie Medical Clinic had provided input.

He added near the end of the meeting that several topics have been raised at meetings including High Prairie Medical Clinic “bullying” doctors.

Dr. Edwards wanted further details of the serious accusation but Dr. Worry refused, saying again he would need the permission of the doctor first.

“We want to move past differences … and move forward as one medical community,” said Dr. Magda Du Toit, High Prairie’s new community medical director.

Dr. Edwards persisted that doctors did not have the chance to tour her clinic.

However, two AHS staff members spoke saying they chose to work in the AHS clinic model and, therefore, had no need to speak to the High Prairie Medical Clinic.

While Dr. Edwards did not dispute their claim, she persisted the playing field was not level.

“I have a lot to say but I won’t say it now,” said Dr. Edwards.