Low-cost housing to attract Campbell River healthcare employees 2023
A new housing program seeks to address the lack of health professionals in Campbell River by providing low-cost temporary lodging and a warm reception.
The city announced on Friday that a completely furnished apartment near the hospital will be available for between one week and three months for $50 per night on a first-come, first-served basis. Included are utilities, water, Wi-Fi, and weekly cleaning.
The temporary program will apply to locum tenens physicians and other essential health care personnel.
Campbell River, like other communities on Vancouver Island and in other parts of British Columbia, struggles to attract enough health care professionals.
Health-care professionals will receive greeting bundles containing local products and services.
Sadie Mack, operations coordinator for the Campbell River and District Division of Family Practice, stated that the lack of available, affordable accommodation is one of the largest obstacles they face when trying to recruit locum physicians to Campbell River.
Discussions between city officials, Dr. Jordyn Vanderveen of the Campbell River and District Division of Family Practice, and Dr. Sol Gregory of the Campbell River Medical Staff Engagement Initiative Society led to the formation of the new initiative.
Mackie stated that the company intends to demonstrate local clinicians’ value by demonstrating its willingness to support them and their need for time off.
She stated that it is anticipated that this will increase the likelihood of new physicians arriving to Campbell River and relieving the current physicians. This will guarantee that patients receive “the best possible care.”
Provincially, interim mayor Susan Sinnott stated that temporary lodging for locums is a challenge.
“During peak season, short-term rentals are frequently unavailable, leaving locum tenens positions vacant,” she said.
This gap increases wait periods and decreases the availability of treatment in hospitals and clinics.
Sinnott is hopeful that collaborating with local medical health organizations will solve the problem and improve health care.
When rental service revenue is returned to the program, the city anticipates that additional health care professionals will be able to relocate to Campbell River.
