New designation to help with doctor recruitment in the northeast

The entire Northeast region has been designated as one of high-physician need.

That’s the word from the Northeast Local Health Integration Network who says it’s good news.

Officials say under new Ministry of Health and Long Term Care guidelines that started June 1st, physicians can only apply for new practice spots at Family Health Organizations or Family Health Networks in areas with a high-needs designation.

They say it’s key to future recruitment efforts throughout the region.

Locally, officials have indicated upwards of 12,000 people are without a family doctor in North Bay.