Huron Expositor, 2007-11-07, Page 11Page 10 The Huron Expositor • November 7, 2007
News
The Doctor's Inn gives potential physician
recruits a free and cozy place to stay in Bayfield
Cheryl Heath
The doctor has an inn.
Thanks to a $21,420 commitment
care of the Heartland Credit Union,
potential physician recruits and
recent ' transplants will be able to
stay at cozy spot in Bayfield, free of
charge.
Dozens of health-care profession-
als, politicians and credit -union rep-
resentatives gathered Wednesday,
at the tastefully appointed two-
storey yellow -brick home, on Clan
Gregor Square, that has been
leased specifically for the purpose of
recruiting new doctors to the area.
The brightly painted three-bed-
room, two -bathroom home, replete
with a Char -Broil barbecue in the
sprawling backyard, will officially
be known as The Doctor's Inn.
Jim Lynn, the newly appointed
chief executive officer of the United
Communities Credit Union, said
Heartland's commitment to the
cause is one way of giving back to
the community.
"We're very optimistic about the
future of our com-
munities," he
said, adding
ensuring the
infrastructure is
available for
growth is one of
the keys to ensur-
ing the area con-
tinues to thrive.
Gary Jewitt,
vice-chairman of
the credit union's
board of direc-
tors, said
Heartland is
pleased to part-
ner with the
H uron -Perth
H ealthcare
Alliance for the
unique initiative.
He said the site
can be used to
house new
recruits, draw
potential ones as
well as offer up
short-term
Celebrate the Season with
Hunter Douglas
every 2 units of Luminette privacy sheers.
Hunterpouglas
LIGHT CAN CHANGE EVERYTHING"
hufterdouglns.ca
id from Septetnf•et i• Ixzrnlber 31',.X0'. iinutat,nt and cern;t:.
Box Furniture
& Floor Coverings
20 Main St. Seaforth (519) 527-0680 www.boxfurniture.ca
7
r jig ,r,
Cheryl Heath photo
Greg McClinchey, executive assistant to Huron -Bruce MP Paul Steckle chats with Sandy Dearling, senior
regional branch manager for United Communities Credit Union Limited, of which Heartland is a division,
Wednesday afternoon, at the grand opening of The Doctor's Inn in Bayfield (seen at right).
"One of the things that is impor-
tant is first impressions," said
Raczycki, who recalled being wel-
comed to Clinton with "open arms"
when he first visited the area 18
years ago.
"I never forgot that," he said.
Raczycki said since all sectors of
the province are struggling with
physician shortages, it pays to be
creative in finding ways to draw
doctors.
Indeed, said Raczycki, when he
first started practising medicine,
there was little courting going on.
"I am tempt-
ed to quit and
come back," he
joked.
Huron -Bruce
MPP Carol
Mitchell gave
thanks to the
credit union for
its commitment
to the communi-
ty.
"This is a
very big day," she
said. "I am so
pleased that
Heartland, you
get it."
Mitchell said
Heartland's com-
mitment shows
the credit union
is aware of the
type of partner-
ships that are
accommodations
when doctors
move to the
region to serve
Clinton,
Seaforth, St.
Marys or
Stratford hospi-
tals.
Clinton -based
Dr. Jan Raczycki
was also on hand
to pay tribute to
the project.
DLCADENCE
in The Counirg
Decorating & Giftware
• Pittsburgh Paints
• Wall Coverings
• Custom Draperies
& Blinds
• Unique Home Decor
• Accessories &
Giftware
ea -home Consultations
Christmas
Open House
Stop in for a coffee &
cookie...you'll be glad you did!
We're open Friday to 9 pm, Saturday & Sunday to Sao pm
Debby .So»>er,•ille - Interim. I )eerirator
75779 Parr Line • Varna • 519-233-3232
needed in today's world.
Greg McClinchey, appearing on
behalf of Huron -Bruce MP Paul
Steckle, said the Heartland initia-
tive is vital in ensuring the area's
rural communities are sustainable.
"This house is more than just a
house," said McClinchey. "It's a
symbol of hope."
The key to drawing doctors to the
area, he said, is simply getting
them to visit once.
"There's nothing more picturesque
than Christmas here in Bayfield,"
he said. "Once you see it, there's no
turning back."
Healthcare Alliance physician -
recruitment leader Gwen
Devereaux gave thanks to
Heartland, and noted one of the
area's more recent recruits,
Seaforth-based Dr. Jason Datema,
came here two years ago as a tem-
porary fill-in. He ended up staying.
Andrew Williams, Chief Executive
Officer for the healthcare alliance,
called the house's unveiling a his-
toric day in the drive to recruit
physicians.
"I know we're going to have a leg
up," he said. "It really is a team
effort."
William Thibert, CEO of
Alexandra Marine General Hospital
in Goderich, echoed Williams' senti-
ment.
"A lot of times it is the little
things," he said. "Half the battle is
just getting them here in the first
place."