Council council wants a sit-down meeting with Nova Scotia’s premier and health minister to discuss the future of the Aberdeen Walk-In Clinic.
Coun. Debbie Wadden said a letter to the province would show the county’s support for the clinic, but requesting a meeting with it would be a more beneficial way to find a solution to the problem.
“People are panicking, especially if they don’t have a family doctor,” she said. “We have to work with all levels of provincial parties and see what we can do here.”
The Aberdeen Walk-In Clinic has begun a suspension of operations that will continue until Sept. 17 while the doctors who own the clinic take some time to think about the future.
In July, Dr. Chris Elliott and Dr. Tom Park drafted a letter to the residents of Pictou County in which they explained the circumstances that have led to this temporary closure – including the fact that one of their regular doctors is leaving in August. Another factor is the decision by the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness, Doctors Nova Scotia and MSI to exclude walk-in clinics from the enhanced fee model applied to other primary care provider office visits in the province. This has a negative impact on their recruitment efforts for the clinic, the doctors said.
Councillors agreed unanimously to ask for a meeting with both Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil and Health Minister Randy Delorey as soon as possible.