Faced with additional challenges, the administration of the Sunrise Health Region has made it a priority to recruit a second physician for the Preeceville area, according to a release issued last week by Sharon Tropin, director of communications.
Dr. Taofik Adedeji recently notified the health region that he will no longer provide service in the clinic after December 18, 2015. Given this development, the health region is working on a plan for the co-ordination of services and has already begun recruitment efforts for a second physician, Tropin said. Previously, arrangements had been made for a physician to begin a medical practice in Preeceville, starting in February, pending the successful completion of the Saskatchewan International Physician Practice Assessment.
From mid-December to February, emergency room services at the health centre will be affected due to a lack of physician availability, Tropin said. Ambulance services in Preeceville will not be affected. Calling 9-1-1 will continue to provide access to an ambulance.
Dawn Kennedy, a nurse practitioner, and a part-time locum physician provided by Sunrise continue to serve clients in the clinic. The pair have indicated that as many appointments as possible will be served during this period.
During this time, appointment availability may become constrained, said Tropin. If this occurs, clients may contact neighbouring medical clinics to request an appointment. To avoid running out of a prescribed medication, it is recommended that clients on medication carefully monitor their medication supply and book appointments early for prescription refills.
Registered nurses are available at Healthline, day and night, to provide callers with medical advice and information about emergency department availability, said Tropin. The number to call for Healthline is 8-1-1.
