medical_doctorA homecoming for three family doctors.

They’re originally from the North Bay area and will be opening a family practise together, here in North Bay, in early 2016.

North Bay Regional Health Centre officials say it’s estimated about 3,600 patients will be taken on to their rosters.

That will result in a drop in the number of people without a family doctor locally by about 25 percent.

The new physicians are in the process of working out the details with their office space and will be publicly announcing the location and patient intake process closer to their opening date.

The new team of doctors will benefit from $25,000 grants provided by both the City of North Bay and the North Bay Regional Health Centre.

In a release, Dr. Jonathan Blackadar says,  “I’m excited about the opportunity to set up a practice in North Bay. I was born, raised and completed my residency training here. I value the opportunity to care for members of my home town community.”

Meantime, NBRCH Chief of Medical Staff, Dr. Donald Fung says, “Addressing North Bay’s doctor shortage continues to be a priority for the Health Centre and we will be working with city officials to further build guidelines around this agreement.” 

Mayor Al McDonald says access to family doctors is a priority.  He goes on to say, “We are pleased to partner with the NBRHC to attract and recruit doctors to our city. As a city that promotes healthy active lifestyles, access to primary care is critical to the well-being of our citizens and our community.”

Officials say the Health Centre and it’s community partners, including the city are creating a Physician Resource Team to advise on the set-up of practises in the community.