New physicians bring hope to local health care needs
Kingston is welcoming four new family doctors, bringing the city one step closer to easing its primary care shortage. These new additions raise the number of doctors recruited through the city’s physician program to 20 since it began in January 2022.
Mayor Paterson says they're moving in the right direction.
Two of the doctors are recent graduates of the Queen’s Family Medicine residency program, while the other two are experienced doctors moving to Kingston from another province and overseas.
Three of the four doctors are net new and expect to roster approximately 3,000 patients through Health Care Connect. One doctor will take over an existing practice, ensuring that 1,100 patients retain access to primary care.
Kingston City Council has invested over $3 million in family doctor recruitment since 2022. Funding supports include financial incentives, clinic expansion grants, and relocation aid.
Mayor Paterson says that work will continue.
Primary care is a provincial responsibility, and residents without a doctor are encouraged to register with Health Care Connect.