The committee had its beginnings in 2022, when Souris Doctors David Cram and Myranda Sopel raised the alarms when they explained one of their colleagues was leaving. This got the community humming on recruitment and retention. They were able to add a doctor and a nurse practitioner in fairly short order, and the newly created committee continued from there.
Although it was doctors the committee was originally created to recruit, they will deal with all types of health professionals. At this point, Jackson said the nursing and lab tech situation at the health centre seems fairly solid. However, that could change at any time. Physio and occupational therapists also fall under the recruitment committee umbrella.
Right now, with the physicians currently in place, the number one concern in Souris is Emergency Medical Service (EMS) personnel. At this point, there are only two who live in Souris. Others complement them from elsewhere including cities or other rural areas. As Jackson said, if their people are called out with the ambulance to other communities like Oak Lake and then a local call comes in, this could be a major concern. Adding more EMS to Souris is a priority.
“I think we could start with two more, and then could go to four more,” Jackson explained. “It is not a relaxing day off if you are on call all the time. A complement of six would be something we would look at.”
He added there are different possibilities. One idea elected officials are working on is having a driver who is not as qualified involved, while a paramedic is in the back of the ambulance with a patient. This would automatically help out a situation. Jackson said there is an effort to streamline training, saying it is difficult to ask young people to go out of pocket on expenses to take a course in Winnipeg, with Brandon being a better option.
One interesting area has been the medical student visits. Souris Health Centre has been one of the spots where first and second year medical students have toured. They work with local physicians and get a feel for the town. The idea is to introduce them to the world of rural medical practice. Jackson feels this is very useful for Souris and other communities.
“I think it opens students’ eyes to the rural practice of medicine. I’m not sure we’ve seen the response from it yet. We will see what rural doctors and nurses do. It is a part of medical field curriculum now. It is all good. It shines a light on what to expect if they come out to a rural area.”
There are different ways the committee can help with recruitment and retention, including helping with relocation costs. Jackson said they have set up a “return of service” agreement, where they can pay a portion of education in return for a commitment to service in the community for a period of time. They have not used it yet, but it is there if needed.
For these needs, the committee has continued fundraising. Jackson said early on, they received grants from Souris-Glenwood, Grassland, and Sifton, all municipalities within their area. The response from everyone, including community members, has always been very heartening, recognizing the important work they do. Jackson added they have a good working relationship with Prairie Mountain Health
The group will continue to meet every couple of months, Jackson stated. Although they have their doctors now, there will always be work to be done, and it is better to keep active than to try to get rolling again when something comes up. There will be vacancies and retirements in the future, and rural health care could always use a helping hand.
“We will keep going, keep our ears to the ground and keep active and involved.”
by PAUL RAYNER, Recorder staff