Souris doctor shortage gets short-term fix

The Souris doctor shortage has been eased temporarily, according to provincial health officials.

Locum physicians have been found to cover some on-call shifts at the Souris Hospital, booked appointments at the Eastern Kings Health Centre, and limited walk-in clinics.

Dr. Martin Owen, a new graduate from Calgary, will work in the area for this month, with some additional locum help from Dr. Angela MacLaren, who's from P.E.I.

Another locum doctor has agreed to work in Souris in October and November. A third, full-time, permanent doctor will launch a practice in November.

"We are continuing to look for, of course, a permanent physician for the fourth in the complement there in Souris," said Marilyn Barrett, director of primary care for Health PEI.

"But we'll also continue to look for locum coverage in the meantime."

Patients looking for same-day appointments can call the Eastern Kings Health Centre.

Ambulatory services have not been affected, but walk-in clinics will be offered on a limited schedule.