March 9, 2015
Richmond, B.C. – The Richmond Division of Family Practice (RDFP) is addressing the general practitioner (GP) shortage in Richmond with the introduction of specific strategies that help more residents find a family physician, and ensure patients continue to receive quality primary care.
The strategies respond to the results of community surveys and consultations, and will be implemented with $1 million in funding from A GP for Me, a joint initiative of the Government of BC and Doctors of BC.
"The Richmond Division of Family Practice’s strategies will help to strengthen physician and patient relationships, recruitment and succession planning for physicians, and increase patient capacity in doctor’s offices,” said Health Minister Terry Lake. “We know that there is more work to be done but Richmond’s work is a reflection of how the A GP for Me program is working to meet the health care needs of specific communities across British Columbia.”
The RDFP developed the strategies in response to an assessment of the Richmond community conducted from September to December 2014 that collected feedback from Richmond residents, physicians and community organizations. It is estimated that 39,000 Richmond residents do not have a family doctor. Another 28,000 patients could be added to this number in four years if a predicted 24 physicians retire. Of the more than 1,500 people who responded to surveys, 14% said they are looking for a doctor. Click here to read more.