Future CKHA expansion will help physician recruitment

Late last month, the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance made their recommendations for the future development of the Chatham and Wallaceburg campuses.

Multi-million dollar projects are being proposed for both communities, and CKHA officials are thrilled at the potential.

Fannie Vavoulis, medical recruiter in Chatham-Kent, says the future expansion will be an asset for her job.

“It’s a huge recruitment tool,” she said.

Vavoulis added the new facilities and amenities will be attractive to prospective physicians looking at practicing in Chatham-Kent.

“It would be beneficial to Chatham-Kent as a whole,” she said.

Vavoulis said physician recruitment is under way for Dresden, as they prepare for their new health care building to be ready by September.

She said the goal is to have four physicians located inside the Dresden site, which is mimicking the Ridgetown facility, plus some specialists as well. She said two physicians are already lined up to practice in the team environment in Dresden.

“We have a vested interest to open up with a full team,” Vavoulis said.

In Wallaceburg, some immediate recruitment is taking place after the death of Wallaceburg family physician Dr. Robert Sin Yan Too.

“It’s a sad situation,” she said. “We’re working closely to fill the void he’s left.”

Vavoulis says any of Sin Yan Too’s can call Health Care Connect to inquire about getting a new Doctor.

The phone number is 1-800-445-1822 or visit the website here.