Most patients now matched as clinic works toward final outstanding cases
The Menzies Medical Centre is reporting major progress in its physician recruitment and patient attachment efforts, with Executive Director Nicole Walske saying the clinic’s Dr. Finder list is now nearly complete.
Walske says nearly all patients who were waiting for a family physician have now been matched, marking a significant milestone for the community-supported clinic.
“I think I just took the last of them off yesterday, actually,” Walske said, noting that only a small number of patients remain on the list.
She added that the remaining cases are primarily patients waiting for a female provider in the Morden area, with about 67 individuals still unassigned.
“If you’re one of them that’s listening, I’m sorry, I don’t have a female provider,” she said. “Those ones are still on the list.”
Clinic says physician recruitment push has been successful
Walske says additional physicians are expected to arrive later this year, which should help clear the remaining patients still waiting for care.
Some of those on the list are expected to be matched when new providers begin in August, with the clinic aiming to have everyone assigned by the fall.
“We will have everyone assigned a physician,” she said. “If you aren’t connected and you think you should be, just call the clinic.”
She added that the progress represents a major shift for the clinic after years of physician shortages and high patient demand.
“Four years ago, I never thought I was going to be saying these words,” Walske said. “It’s very exciting.”
Community ownership model credited for clinic stability
The Dr. Finder progress comes alongside continued fundraising and expansion efforts supported by the Menzies Medical Centre Community Board.
The board is responsible for equipping and furnishing the clinic, which operates as a community-owned facility where physicians work without needing to invest in infrastructure or equipment.
Walske says that model has helped attract and retain doctors while ensuring the community maintains control of the clinic’s physical resources.
“The community board is responsible for all of the equipment, all the furnishings, and everything physical that you see,” she said.
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E-bike raffle supports future expansion plans
As patient attachment nears completion, attention is now shifting toward expanding clinic capacity to meet growing demand.
An e-bike raffle, supported by Country Cycle, is currently raising funds toward a $10,000 goal that will help finance future renovations, including additional exam rooms.
So far, about $6,000 in tickets have been sold.
Walske says the expansion is necessary due to increasing physician numbers and patient volumes.
“We’re outgrowing our space with all of our lovely additional physicians that are joining us,” she said.
Community BBQ to mark raffle draw
The winning ticket for the e-bike will be drawn at a free community barbecue on June 12 at the Suncatch in Morden.
The event runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and will include a complimentary meal provided by community sponsors.
Walske says the barbecue is intended to bring people together while also celebrating community support for local health care.
“We really just want a place for people to gather,” she said. “It’s a really great networking place to connect with our community.”
She added that the event also offers residents a chance to meet new physicians joining the clinic.
Strong community response continues
Walske says the response to both the raffle and the clinic’s broader initiatives has been overwhelmingly positive, reflecting strong local support for health care services.
“It feels good to see happiness and joy and see people being taken care of,” she said.
She added that while the clinic has faced challenges in recent years, the current momentum represents a turning point.