Two city councillors aren't happy rabbits after learning Group Health Centre (GHC) will no longer provide financial support for the Sault's physician recruitment efforts.
"GHC’s Ministry of Health funding agreement prohibits the use of ministry funds for physician recruitment activities," Lil Silvano, GHC chief executive officer, and Dr. Jodie Stewart, CEO of Algoma District Medical Group (ADMG), said in a recent letter to the city's physician recruitment and retention committee.
"To prevent a last-minute funding shortfall for the 2024 fiscal year, GHC agreed to continue its contribution for Fiscal 2024/25 by utilizing funds it receives from the Algoma District Medical Group (ADMG). These funds are meant to provide administrative support to our primary care providers.
"Relying on physician-generated revenue from ADMG to fund community physician recruitment efforts is neither sustainable nor appropriate," Silvano and Stewart said.
"Asking physicians to bear the financial burden of recruiting their future colleagues may negatively impact recruitment and retention efforts. Moreover, physician support funds are vital to projects aimed at reducing administrative burden and thereby addressing burnout amongst our existing group of family physicians who we desperately want to retain.
"Given these considerations . . . GHC is no longer able to provide direct financial contributions moving forward. However, we remain committed to supporting recruitment efforts through in-kind contributions or as a non-voting member, like the arrangement with the Algoma West Academy of Medicine," they said.
Last year, GHC contributed $65,000 to the city's physician recruitment efforts. Recognizing the Sault's critical need for more doctors, city council approved an increase of $50,000 to its share, bringing the city's total contribution to $190,000.
"The marketplace for physician recruitment is extremely competitive and it was hoped these additional funds would enable the city to better compete and market itself," Tom Vair, the city's chief administrative officer, said in a report last week to Mayor Shoemaker and council members.
GHC's withdrawal of its fiscal support left the city's previous $300,000 physician recruitment budget short by $30,000.
Sault Area Hospital agreed to increase its share by $15,000, and city councillors decided last week to chip in the remaining $15,000 from a hospital reserve fund.
Ward 4 Coun. Marchy Bruni and Ward 1's Sandra Hollingsworth both expressed disappointment with GHC.
"I am disappointed with the Group Health Centre not providing any type of funding to the doctor recruitment because it does benefit them, as with the hospital, and it benefits the citizens of Sault, Ste Marie. So I am disappointed that Group Health Centre has not put any funding into this," Bruni said.
"I have to say I agree with Coun. Bruni because Group Health Centre has unfortunately disappointed our community," added Hollingsworth.
"Physician availability is vitally important to the health of the community and also plays a role in the community’s ability to attract and retain skilled professionals," said CAO Vair.
"Cities across Ontario are investing increasing amounts in physician recruitment and offering significant incentives to secure doctors. According to media reports, several communities in Ontario are offering incentives, up to $150,000, to recruit physicians."
"Group Health Centre deeply values the outstanding accomplishments of the physician recruitment and retention committee. Since its formation in 2002, our collaborative efforts have successfully recruited over 205 physicians to Sault Ste. Marie – a testament to the strength and impact of working together toward a common goal," said the letter to the city from Silvano and Dr. Stewart.
"We look forward to continuing to work together to develop sustainable solutions and ensure that Sault Ste. Marie remains an attractive destination for healthcare professionals," they said.
