200804 Physician MINThe Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg
Physician Recruitment & Retention Committee
August 4, 2020
12:00 p.m.
Electronic Meeting MINUTES
Present: Councillor Esseltine, Deputy Mayor Beres, Sandy Jansen, Dr. Jamie Cluett,
Lesley Ross, Mike Bastow, Dr. Howard Lamb, Dr. Brian Holowachuk, Mayor Molnar
Staff: Kyle Pratt, CAO; Cephas Panschow, Development Commissioner; Laura
Pickersgill, Legislative Services Coordinator
Regrets: Ashley Edwards; Dr. Matt Johnson; Dr. Abdalla
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 12:01 p.m.
2. Introduction of New Member
The new member sent her regrets in for the meeting.
3. Adoption of Agenda
Resolution #1
Moved by: Sandy Jansen
Seconded by: Dr. Jamie Cluett
THAT the Agenda as prepared for the Physician Recruitment and Retention
Committee meeting of August 4, 2020, be adopted.
Carried
4. Minutes of the Previous Meeting
Resolution #2
Moved by: Councillor Esseltine
Seconded by: Sandy Jansen
THAT the Minutes of the Physician Recruitment and Retention Committee Meeting
of February 4, 2020, be approved.
Carried
Dr. Matt Johnson was invited to this meeting and will be invited to future meetings of
the Committee.
Dr. Cluett noted that he has no update from the Oxford County Physician
Recruitment Committee yet on who the replacement will be on this Committee for
representation due to Dr. Rowland’s passing. It was noted that the County
Committee is reconvening in the fall and a further update will be provided then.
5. Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof
There were no disclosures of pecuniary interest declared.
6. General Business & Reports
6.1 New Models of Primary Health Care - Cephas Panschow
Cephas posed the question to the Committee as to whether or not this
Committee would be interested in pursuing an opportunity to have a local venue
hosted as a walk-in clinic. It was noted that there are many ‘orphan patients’ in
the community who are unable to get a family physician. It was mentioned that
the Tillsonburg Medical Clinic at 200 Broadway does host a walk-in clinic. Further
suggestions and discussion on this topic were mentioned later on in the meeting.
6.2 Funding- SW Public Health Daily Update July 2, 2020- Sandy Jansen
Sandy indicated that she has yet to hear any details on this announcement and
how the funds will be distributed. She will provide an update at a future meeting.
6.3 Updated Recruitment Matrix and Contract- Kyle Pratt
Kyle provided an overview of the amendments made on the Physician
Recruitment matrix and contract. The changes noted include:
• Addition of the second column in the matrix that is applicable to specialty
physicians
• $10,000 in moving expenses for reallocation outside of the Province (up
from the previous $5,000 expense)
• It was noted that the physician must reside within 15 kilometres of
Tillsonburg for the above stipend to apply
• The time frame for clinic space including payment for clerical support has
increased from thr ee month to six month time frame
• It was noted that the maximum per month for family physicians is
$6000/month for the first six months, and a stipend of $30,000 based on a
five year return of service agreement for full service is include on the
speciality physician’s side
It was noted that the calculations for the total incentives need to be adjusted.
Sandy provided clarification that the agreement is a template and specific
adjectives of service can be amended within the agreement (for example, under
item 2 d). Sandy also noted that a legal review could be done on items 4 b and c
in the agreement from the hospitals’ lawyer.
There is $70,000 in the Town’s budget for 2020 recruitment of physicians to the
Town of Tillsonburg. It was noted that a prioritization process could be
developed if the number of recruits interested in coming to the Town exceeded
the allocated budget. Mike noted that the hospital does have some budget in
reserves for additional recruitment. It was noted that the Town could potentially
move unused funds from 2020 into the 2021 budget for additional financial
resources if necessary.
Dr. Holowachuk expressed his thoughts on the importance of having more
clinical space available in Town as a way to better attract new recruits. He noted
that potential recruits could be shown their new space and who they would be
working with and this could add a level of further attraction for working in the
Town. It was noted that there is a bit of vacant space in Dr. C appercione’s clinic
due to the passing of Dr. Rowland.
Sandy indicated that there is an empty lot across from the hospital wher e they
are looking at potentially developing and building a new clinic. Sandy noted this
project has been delayed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sandy invited
any potential involvement from the Town to assist with funding this proposed
clinic. Sandy indicated that this clinic could be an asset of the hospital, an asset
of the Town or an asset for both.
Sandy will reach out to members of the Family Health Organization to determine
if there is any opposition to this concept. Sandy will connect with Cephas to
discuss the municipalities ’ further involvement with this concept. Cephas to bring
this idea forward to the Economic Development Committee for review and
comment.
Resolution #3
Moved by: Dr. Jamie Cluett
Seconded by: Mayor Molnar
THAT the Physician Recruitment & Retention Committee adopts the revised
Physician Recruitment Matrix and Agreement as updated with noted
amendments;
AND THAT T illsonburg District Memorial Hospital and the Town of Tillsonburg
move forward with implementing the revised Matrix and Agreement.
Carried
Sandy will update the matrix to include trained emergency department specialists
in the consideration section. It was noted that the definition for a full-time
emergency department specialist would need to be included in such agreement.
7. New Business
8. Roundtable
Sandy noted that the Oxford and Area Health Team has submitted a full application
to create their Ontario Health Team. The applications are due in September 2020
and feedback should be received by October 2020.
Mayor Molnar thanked the Town’s physicians and health care teams for providing
safe, reliable and quality healthcare during this difficult time.
Dr. Cluett noted that Dr. Fehr did not come to work at TDMH as he had another offer
to do work in a more related background at another hospital. Dr. Fehr’s colleague
Dr. Versolatto (general surgeon) however is looking for a place to settle for work and
he will be doing a one month locum at the hospital for the month of August. Dr.
Versolatto currently resides in Dorchester. Members of Council or Town staff would
be interested in providing him with a tour of the Town.
9. Next Meeting
To be called by the Chair
10. Adjournment
Resolution #4
Moved by: Dr. Jamie Cluett
THAT the August 4, 2020 Physician Recruitment and Retention Committee meeting
be adjourned at 12:42 p.m.
Carried