Recruitment efforts paying off, Niagara region noting incentives don't always make difference
Some decent news for the Niagara region in attracting more family doctors.
Recruitment specialist Jill Croteau says 2024 was the most successful recruitment year on record, with 26 new doctors setting up, and there are 7 so far this year.
While some cities offer more incentives than others, she says she takes more of a global approach. "I do address if it's an urban practice, or if it's a rural style practice, or if it's FHO model, or an FHG model, so I work through those before incentives, making sure that physician has the right fit in the community."
She adds there are 31 doctors accepting new patients on the region's "Find a Doctor" website.
It was noted Welland has the highest incentive package, however, Councillor Bill Steele says that doesn't always work. "We found Belleville is, I think, the.... most luxurious amount of money of anyone, but they're not outpacing us on getting new doctors. So, in certain circumstances it's there, but in other circumstances it's not the be all, and end all."
He added fixing health care is not an easy task.
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