We need a doctor! New Corner Brook family practice flooded with calls

A new medical office in Corner Brook was flooded with phone calls Tuesday, as patients desperate to find a family doctor tried to make appointments.  

Leanne Renouf is one of the not-so-lucky ones who tried to enrol with the Wellness Family Practice clinic, where two doctors are set to start seeing patients in April. 

Renouf started calling around 8:50 a.m., and tried continuously until 12:10 p.m.

"I had no luck," she said.

"I had my cellphone in one hand, and I had my cordless phone in the other hand. And I'd hang up with one and just automatically go to the other one."

Renouf told the Corner Brook Morning Show that she has been without a doctor since the fall.

"It's been a real struggle. I've been dealing with some chronic illnesses," she said.

Visit to ER led to long wait

A visit to the hospital emergency room Monday night resulted in a six-hour wait.

"It's been the longest I've ever seen," said Renouf.

"The waiting room was totally full, and there were people going up to the front of the hospital and bringing chairs down and lining up on both sides of the hallway outside the waiting room."

Renouf said she needs a doctor to administer a monthly shot for a Vitamin B-12 deficiency, something she now has to get from family members or her pharmacist. 

Getting refills on her prescriptions can also mean hours of waiting in hospital.

"I feel bad for the doctors and nurses because I am sure they must be dealing with a great lot of trouble, and it's got to be stressful on them as well," she said. 

The Wellness Family Practice clinic will take calls again on Thursday, accepting patients on a first come-first served basis.

Renouf said she has the day off, and will try again.