To the People of Pictou County,
We would like to thank the people of Pictou County including those who attended the rally on August 6th, media, colleagues, local MLAs, the staff and physicians of the walk-in clinic, and those individuals who called or stopped us to inquire and express their concerns over the recent closure of the Aberdeen Walk-In Clinic. The support and concern you share with us of over the closure and decrease in access to primary care services for the citizens of Pictou County is truly appreciated by both of us.
During the closure we have met with the Nova Scotia Minister of Health, Mr. Randy Delorey, staff from the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness and the Nova Scotia Health Authority, DoctorsNS, the leader of the Nova Scotia New Democratic Party, and all of our local MLAs. Unfortunately, to date, we have not come to a resolution with regards to the concerns we shared with you in our letter of July 17, 2018, including the recruitment of an additional physician. We are, of course, disappointed, with this outcome to date and will continue to advocate to government and other stakeholders for fair and equitable compensation.
However, while we continue to work toward a sustainable outcome, we have decided to not further jeopardize the access to primary care for those residents of Pictou County without a provider. This has been our main source of concern during the last number of weeks. We have decided that we will reopen the Aberdeen Walk-In Clinic with decreased hours beginning Monday September 17, 2018. Until further notice, the hours of operation will be Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings with registration for patients starting at 4:30pm and running to 8:30pm. Registration may end early depending on the number of patients waiting to be seen.
Again, thank you for your patience and understanding during this closure. We appreciate your continued support and look forward to assisting the residents of Pictou County attain necessary primary care services.
Respectfully,
Drs. Chris Elliott and Tom Park
