Ryerson Council Proposes Innovative Funding to Address Doctor Shortage

Ryerson’s township council is taking proactive steps to address the ongoing shortage of healthcare providers by proposing an innovative funding model for hiring doctors and nurse practitioners. During a meeting on October 14, 2023, council members discussed the potential of collaborating with neighboring municipalities to pool resources aimed at alleviating the healthcare burden faced by the community. With over 800 people currently on the local waitlist for primary care, this initiative could provide much-needed support.

Councillor Dan Robertson emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “We can’t keep relying on the feds or higher levels of government to step in and fix this problem.” He highlighted that the actual number of individuals without a primary care provider is likely greater than what is officially recorded. The lack of improvement in the local healthcare landscape has prompted the council to consider alternative solutions rather than waiting for action from higher authorities.

A model from British Columbia was presented by Councillor Delynne Patterson, where municipalities directly fund healthcare staff salaries and manage administrative tasks. This approach allows healthcare professionals to dedicate their full attention to patient care, potentially increasing the number of patients they can effectively serve. Patterson noted that this method could greatly enhance the efficiency of local healthcare delivery.

Despite the promising model, concerns were raised regarding the financial implications of such a plan. Councillor Glenn Miller pointed out that local taxpayers are already facing high tax arrears, suggesting that healthcare funding should primarily be a concern for federal and provincial governments. Nonetheless, the council reached a consensus that immediate local action is essential to combat the healthcare crisis.

“It could be argued that we’re much better at making dollars into real things than the higher levels of government,” Robertson remarked, underscoring the council’s determination to enact change. Ryerson is currently collaborating with the Almaguin Highlands Health Coalition (AHHC), which encompasses approximately ten municipalities in the region.

To move forward, the council has agreed to seek a detailed cost analysis to understand what funding a new healthcare position would entail if costs were shared among AHHC members. Additionally, they plan to invite Debbie Raymar, the executive director of AHHC, to the next tri-council meeting to provide insights into implementing this funding model effectively.

This initiative reflects the council’s commitment to tackling the pressing healthcare issues in Ryerson and demonstrates a willingness to explore creative solutions that can enhance community health services. As discussions progress, the outcome of these efforts may have a significant impact on the local healthcare landscape, providing relief to those currently waiting for essential medical care.