Kawartha Lakes renews support for after-hours clinic amid ongoing doctor shortage

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

KAWARTHA LAKES: Local councillors approved continued funding for the After-Hours Clinic, following a presentation, on Tuesday, May 20th, from representatives of the Kawartha Lakes Family Health Team (KLFHT) and the Kawartha Lakes Health Care Initiative (KLHCI).

Dr. Baldeep Paul of the KLFHT and Andrew Veale of the KLHCI appeared before council, to outline the clinic’s impact and to request renewed support, in the face of ongoing challenges in local primary care access.

“The After-Hours Clinic has become a crucial access point for patients without a family doctor and those who would otherwise turn to the emergency department,” said Dr. Paul. “It fills a vital gap in our community.”

In June 2024, council committed $36,000 per month, for six months, to enhance the clinic’s services. That funding allowed the clinic to reopen on Fridays, extend Thursday hours, and increase total physician coverage, from 26 to 32 hours per week. It also ensured continued access for patients not rostered with the Family Health Team.

“Without this funding, we wouldn’t have been able to keep our doors open to non-rostered patients,” Mr. Veale told council. “That would have put even more pressure on the Ross Memorial Hospital.”

Still, both presenters noted physician retention remains an urgent concern. A recent meeting with local doctors revealed another physician will soon leave the community, potentially leaving 2,000 residents without a family doctor.

To sustain the clinic’s operations, the team requested a reduced amount of $25,000 per month, for 12 months, in 2025, less than the amount previously received.

“We are fully committed to meeting the mandated 21 hours of service and remaining accountable to both the city and the Ministry of Health,” said Mr. Veale. “But we need your support to maintain the progress we’ve made.”

Council received the presentation as given and unanimously approved the funding request for 2025.

“We know how important this clinic is to residents,” said Mayor Doug Elmslie. “This council is committed to supporting health care access for everyone in Kawartha Lakes.”

The After-Hours Clinic will continue its current operations, while the team awaits further direction from the province, on the future of after-hours care delivery.