Hunter River surprised by lack of doctor funding

The community of Hunter River, just west of Charlottetown, is preparing to fight for the right to a fourth doctor in their community.

'That depends on how much we really value rural communities.' — Lori Weeks

The Liberal government was elected on a promise to provide a family doctor for every Islander, but some towns and villages are now finding out that doesn't necessarily mean a doctor in every community. The Department of Health said last week about a half dozen communities want doctors, but the province's health plan does not provide positions for them. Residents of those communities will have to travel to see a doctor.

Hunter River has three doctors right now, and thought it had a vacancy to fill. Having recruited a doctor, however, it has now learned that there is no vacancy.

"When those proposals, or people's names had been put forward to the government, we were basically informed that no, we in fact don't have 4.2 [positions]. We now have 3.2," said Lori Weeks, chair the Central Queen's Health Centre Advisory Committee.

Weeks said her committee conducted a survey more than a year ago about the health needs of area residents. It estimates close to 1,400 people don't have a family doctor. Weeks acknowledges some people may question whether four doctors are needed in Central Queen's, when Charlottetown is only 20 minutes away.

"I guess that depends on how much we really value rural communities or whether we want to relocate all of our health services to places like Charlottetown," she said.

"The people certainly value the services provided there, especially for seniors and people who have mobility problems. It is better for them to have services close to home."

Weeks says the group will continue to fight for the fourth doctor position back. No one from the Department of Health was available for comment.