Another small town facing doctor shortage

Sep 21, 2016 | 6:50 AM

LUMBY, B.C. —   Another interior community says they are struggling to attract doctors, forcing residents to travel to Vernon for medical treatment.

     Jean Latval with the Lumby and District Health Services Society says one doctor has retired and another has moved, leaving a single physician to serve thousands of people in Lumby and the rural surrounding areas.

     The society is trying to bring a new family practice to town and the village has pledged 15-thousand dollars to help a new physician with moving expenses.

     But the society’s vice chair, Elinor Warner, says they face a lot of competition from other municipalities that are offering competitive incentive packages.