Dr. Gerry Prince a family physician who says he is happy to see provincial cuts turned aside.--NEWS FILE PHOTO
gslade@medicinehatnews.com@MHNGillianSlade
A number of physicians providing obstetric care at the local Family Medicine Maternity Clinic are not sure they will continue.
“Almost half of our doctors are not sure they would be able to continue to do obstetrics,” said Dr. Gerry Prince.
He says physicians enjoy the work and would like to continue but financially, as a result of a government-imposed fee reduction, it would be tough.
“I think these are unintended consequences to cuts that make sense at some level,” said Prince.
He helped establish the clinic many years ago to address a shortage of physicians willing to do obstetrics. It was not financially feasible to take time away from their own clinics. Some financial supports were put in place to attract a total of 10 physicians who currently take turns at providing coverage at the FMMC.
Ken Sauer, former chair of the Palliser Health Advisory Council and member of the regional health board before Alberta Health Services existed, remembers the “innovative” initiative by Prince to establish the FMCC.
“I’d feel very badly if that had to be stopped,” said Sauer. “It would be a disservice I think to maternity.”
Prince says details of the fee structure available at the moment indicate a physician at the FMMC will lose more than $500 per shift plus $5,000 a year – cost of medical liability related to delivering babies.
Prince hopes the government will gain an understanding of the unique circumstances of such a clinic in this part of the province. The idea of making cuts across the board without looking into the circumstances and alternatives was perhaps not the correct approach.
There is still hope that the cuts will be modified, said Prince.
Sauer remembers when Ralph Klein was premier and Alberta experienced significant cost-cutting measures. He says he understands the concept of trying to balance the books.
“I think there could have been a surgical cut rather than a heavy hammer … It is disappointing to say the least,” said Sauer.
A regional health board would have been in a better position to understand what cuts could take place here without adversely affecting other aspects of health care, said Sauer.
Prince has warned of a “death spiral of physicians’ resources” as doctors withdraw from the FMMC creating a heavier burden for those who are left. It is a specialized area and generally there are no locums that would be available to fill in.
It is not even feasible to consider not providing obstetrics in Medicine Hat, said Prince.
“We need to find a solution that will make it possible for doctors to provide the services they want to provide,” said Prince. “The service is essential.”
