Lac La Biche County Mayor says new docs are coming as ED disruptions continue

Mayor Paul Reutov says good health care news is on the way in Lac La Biche.

On Tuesday, the Lac La Biche County Mayor said four new doctors, pending assessments of medical credentials, will be arriving and starting work at William J. Cadzow – Lac La Biche Healthcare Centre. This will take place over the course of the next 6-18 months.

“Lac La Biche County Council has been hard at work these past few years, lobbying the provincial government for improved medical supports to ensure that all our residents, as well as neighbouring First Nations and Metis Settlements, have access to the healthcare services that they deserve,” Reutov said in a message on social media.

“We’ll keep you updated on other health-related matters as we receive more information.” 

This dovetails with recent emergency room situations where there is no on-site physician.

For example, this week from Thursday evening at 4:00pm until Saturday morning at 8:00am, there is no on-site physician.

Reutov said there are currently six physicians working in the County, and the total number that Alberta Health Services (AHS) is aiming to fill is 13.

“With the four incoming doctors, we’ll be at 10 with three positions left to fill. Additionally, one new international nurse arrived a couple of weeks ago. AHS is expecting a second international nurse to arrive at the end of January, with two more following by the end of February.”