Quesnel Mayor Bob Simpson says plans are already in the works to deal with a looming doctor shortage in the area.
He says they plan to be proactive to avoid an extreme situation as they have in Fort St. John and Chetwynd…
Simpson says some of the possible solutions include working with Northern Health on alternate delivery models that are being used in other communities, potentially getting some funding for nurse practitioners and using a team-based approach to support the doctors that Quesnel does have.
Simpson says they are also working with Northern Health to set up a workshop likely in early April and in setting up a primary care committee.
Northern Health confirmed this week that 4 physicians are expected to leave Quesnel in 2015 and potentially another 3 in 2016.