The sole physician in a small town south of Edmonton has departed after practicing for only six months in the community. The challenge of recruiting doctors in smaller towns is a longstanding issue, which is now being felt by the approximately 2,000 residents of Millet, Alberta.
Nurse Diana Bruun, who manages the administrative aspects of the Millet Medical Clinic, expressed the disappointment of locals as the clinic is now closed indefinitely until a replacement doctor is secured. She emphasized the efforts being made to attract a new physician to the area.
Faisol Ferdous, who established the town’s only pharmacy four years ago, shared his motivation for bringing a doctor to Millet despite being asked why he didn’t choose Edmonton. He highlighted the need for medical services in the town, especially for elderly and disadvantaged individuals who face challenges accessing healthcare.
Mayor Doug Peel mentioned the community’s initial excitement followed by disappointment at the doctor’s departure, underscoring the significance of the physician’s brief presence after almost two decades without one in Millet.
The closure of the clinic due to the doctor’s personal reasons has left a void in the community, showcasing the struggles rural areas face in accessing healthcare services. Patients are now likely to seek medical care in neighboring towns, such as Leduc or Wetaskiwin.
The provincial Ministry of Primary and Preventative Health Services reiterated its commitment to improving rural healthcare by recruiting more physicians and highlighted various programs aimed at enhancing access to healthcare services in rural areas.
Dr. Richard Martin, a family physician in Grande Prairie, emphasized the importance of a supportive community for retaining doctors in rural settings. He acknowledged the challenges faced by both healthcare providers and patients when doctors leave smaller communities, leading to worsened health outcomes and increased burden on patients.
Despite the setbacks, Nurse Diana Bruun remains optimistic about attracting a new doctor to Millet, emphasizing the importance of providing healthcare services to residents to maintain community well-being.