B.C. community soon to have just one doctor; officials search for replacement

ENDERBY, B.C. – Residents living in a small community in British Columbia’s north Okanagan will soon be served by only one doctor.

Until this past June, five physicians worked in the community of Enderby, B.C., which is located about half-way between Vancouver and Calgary, Alta, but then two doctors retired and one moved to Vancouver.

Then another doctor announced this week he’s closing his practice and moving from the town of about 3,000 people to Saskatchewan.

Mayor Howie Cyr says the situation is very stressful to residents, especially seniors, and he and his council are working with the health authority to solve the problem.

Dr. Alan Stewart of Interior Health says the organization hopes to recruit another doctor by August 2013.

The lack of doctors is nothing new to people living in the province’s Interior, especially after physician shortages forced the closures of emergency rooms in the communities of Logan Lake, Chase and Princeton. (CKIZ)