“I am pleased that, after careful examination and consultation, government has accepted the recommendation of the Physician Resource Planning Committee and is approving the addition of a fifth physician position for O’Leary area which results in a complement of ten physicians for West Prince region,“ says Premier Binns.

The addition of a fifth physician is considered vital to ensuring continued success in Physician recruitment efforts in the O’Leary area.

Premier Binns indicated that government considered the matter carefully and took its time to ensure the best possible decision. “We consulted with and listened to the residents of the O’Leary area,” says Binns. “We also worked closely with Eva Rodgerson, MLA, West Point-Bloomfield, who continues to be a tireless advocate for the needs of her community, particularly in the area of health care.”

“Our government is committed to the provision of quality health care services for all Islanders,” says Health and Social Services Minister, Chester Gillan. “This announcement today is consistent with that approach and I am pleased with the decision.”

Recruitment efforts to fill existing physician vacancies are on-going and will continue until the West Prince region is operating at full complement.