Imagine the frustration of being unable to find a family doctor, that trusted health professional who can offer regular access, knows your medical history and dispenses the essential care and advice so essential to good health.
And when everyone has a family doctor, the system benefits from fewer emergency room visits and hospital admissions, with a consequent decrease in health care costs. While individualized, bilateral agreements with each province must still be worked out, that money, if utilized properly, could go a long way toward ensuring that all Canadians have access to a family doctor.
With the new injection of cash, that can and should change. The college recommends primary care teams include nurses, who co-ordinate care and offer clinical support, and mental health workers, who provide psychological and addictions counselling and connect patients with social supports.