The plan to replace Dr. Werner Oberholzer and Dr. Nellie Helms in Radville has faced some setbacks but is coming together, said the CEO and president of the Sun Country Health Region.
“The transformation of the Radville Health Clinic to a primary health care clinic operated by the Region is complete,” said Marga Cugnet.
“This clinic provides an environment for doctors who want to practice medicine on a contract basis without worrying about hiring and managing the staff and the clinic. They are not interested in operating their own business. ”
The clinic continues to provide access to a variety of regional health care professionals who provide care along with the doctors. Those professionals include a nurse practitioner, community pharmacist, and visiting professionals such as mental health staff, physical and occupational therapists, and local home care staff.
Dr. Ali Al-Khafaji has already arrived in Radville, to work with Dr. Helms before she leaves at the end of July and Dr. Helen Mbata will arrive in August, she said.
“Unfortunately, one of the doctors slated to arrive in September was unsuccessful in the Saskatchewan physician assessment process (SIPPA). The Region is interviewing another doctor to enter the SIPPA process in September, and will arrive in Radville in January if (s)he is successful.”
In the interim, Sun Country Health Region will coordinate short-term relief through the use of the Saskatchewan Medical Association’s locum program. (Locums are doctors who travel from facility to facility as needed, providing short-term coverage.)
“The Region appreciates the continued support of Radville and Bengough and surrounding communities in this process. We continue to work with members of the Radville Marian Health Centre Board of Directors and management to ensure there is no disruption in services. Our first goal is to provide continued access for our patients/clients and residents,” said Cugnet.
