B.C. has recruited hundreds of family doctors. It’s still not enough

When Jennie Passche falls ill, she finds herself in a race against time to secure medical care. Living in Esquimalt on B.C.’s Vancouver Island, the 65-year-old shares her struggles with trying to get an appointment at her community’s urgent and primary care centre, which was established in 2021 to address the shortage of family doctors. Despite waking up early to call the center, she often finds herself unable to secure an appointment in time.

In a recent call-in segment on CBC’s BC Today, Passche’s story shed light on the challenges faced by many residents in the province. While there have been significant improvements in the healthcare system, with 1,001 new family care physicians hired in the past two years, there are still many individuals who are struggling to access timely care. The province has made strides in recruiting doctors through changes in the payment model, with a record number of residents now attached to primary care providers.

However, as callers shared their experiences, it became clear that there is still a long way to go in ensuring that everyone has access to quality healthcare. Dr. Tahmeena Ali, past president of B.C. Family Doctors, highlighted the heartbreaking stories of delayed diagnoses and lack of ongoing care faced by many patients. While the recent hiring of new physicians is a positive step, there are still approximately 400,000 people in the province waiting for a family doctor.

Dr. Ali emphasized the need for a shift towards team-based care, where doctors work alongside other healthcare professionals such as nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and counselors. This approach, she believes, is essential in addressing the healthcare needs of all residents in the province.

The Ministry of Health in B.C. has acknowledged the need for transformation in the healthcare system and has taken steps to empower nurse practitioners and establish primary care networks and urgent care centers. While these initiatives have had a positive impact, there are still disparities in access to care across different regions of the province.

The urgent and primary care centers, established in 2018, have received mixed reviews from residents. While some, like Mike Ranfft from Saanich, have had positive experiences with the system, others, like Bob Williams from Kamloops, have faced challenges in booking appointments. Even those who have managed to secure care are still experiencing long wait times for appointments.

Chris Adamache from Saanich shared his family’s struggle with accessing timely care, despite being attached to a care clinic with a nurse practitioner. He highlighted the long wait times for appointments, forcing him to seek care at walk-in clinics when needed.

Dr. Ali underscored the need for a fundamental shift in the healthcare system to ensure that every individual has access to quality care. While there have been improvements in recent years, she believes that it will take time and effort to address the underlying issues and provide comprehensive care for all residents.

As B.C. continues its journey towards a more inclusive and accessible healthcare system, it is clear that there is still work to be done to ensure that everyone can access the care they need when they need it. The road ahead may be long, but with continued efforts and a focus on team-based care, there is hope for a healthier future for all residents of the province.