A shortage of staff and unprecedented demand has forced the Kimberley Medical Clinic to scale back on who it can help and when.

The clinic distributed an email July 29 outlining its next steps and how it is trying to ensure Kimberley and area residents have the best medical care possible.

“Many people know this already, but our healthcare system is in crisis. In British Columbia in particular, we are currently facing a crisis in family practice. This crisis is also affecting our community of Kimberley. This is forcing us to make changes to the way we work at the Kimberley Medical Clinic,” the clinic email opened.

“Due to unprecedented demand and staff shortages, the Kimberley Medical Clinic regretfully will no longer be able to see non-residents/tourists in the clinic as of August 1.”

As of August 29, the clinic will reduce its ‘Doctor-On-Call’ to half a day (from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) for urgent matters only. Additionally, the clinic will be closed on August 12.

“This strategy will hopefully increase patients’ access to their own family doctor. Existing patients will be able to book with their own physicians and unattached permanent residents of Kimberley will be able to book appointments with our resident physician for regular appointments.

“Due to the high number of calls the clinic receives during the first two hours of the day, we are encouraging patients to call a bit later in the day in order to schedule routine appointments.”

The Doctor-on-Call is available to permanent residents of Kimberley for urgent matters. You can call from 8:30 a.m. onward to book an appointment with the physician.

These appointments are for urgent matters only and not for chronic issues, prescription renewals or concerns that should be discussed with a family doctor.

“We hope that you would understand that there are a limited number of appointments available with the Doctor-on-Call each day,” the clinic email noted.

“We are doing our very best to serve the community and are actively working to alleviate the shortages and we hope this situation will be a temporary measure.”

What can you do to help?

• Please call after 10:30 a.m. or later in the day to schedule routine appointments.
• Check the status of your prescription medications and book appointments for refills well in advance (it is suggested at least two weeks before you run out).
• Each physician will have slots available for same day appointments. Try to use one of these appointments with your own physician if you have an urgent matter.
• Please avoid asking for a same day appointment with the Doctor-on-Call unless your problem is truly urgent.

The Kimberley Medical Clinic reported it is busy developing a website for the clinic

Once the website is active you should be able to visit the website for updates.

e-KNOW file photo

e-KNOW

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