By Canadian Press

Doctor shortage driving people away from Newfoundland town known for growth

Jan 26, 2023 | 10:50 AM

ST. JOHN’S, N.L. — The mayor of the Newfoundland town of Bonavista says a doctor shortage is undermining years of his work turning the community into an internationally lauded example of rural growth and development.

John Norman says that after years of successfully attracting new residents to the town, people are moving away to be closer to reliable health care.

He says he has found doctors who want to live and work in Bonavista but high patient volumes and long shifts in the local emergency room have turned them away.

Norman says health authorities won’t offer better working conditions and the emergency department is staffed with temporary or virtual doctors, or it is closed completely.

Dr. Gena Bugden, vice-president of the Eastern Health authority, says her team is in contact with physicians who want to work in Bonavista and that those conversations will continue.

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Publications including Maclean’s and the New York Times have covered Norman’s success attracting tourists and new residents by restoring heritage buildings into artist studios, restaurants and storefronts.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 26, 2023.

The Canadian Press