{"id":956996,"date":"2026-11-03T17:14:18","date_gmt":"2026-11-03T17:14:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/956996\/"},"modified":"2026-11-03T17:14:18","modified_gmt":"2026-11-03T17:14:18","slug":"new-altona-clinic-manager-eager-to-tackle-physician-retention-and-patient-wait-times-pembinavalleyonline-com","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/956996\/","title":{"rendered":"New Altona Clinic manager eager to tackle physician retention and patient wait times – PembinaValleyOnline.com"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Altona Clinic<\/a> is accepting new patients after welcoming four physicians in recent months, while its new manager looks to improve patient access, retain doctors, and potentially introduce additional health-care services.<\/p>\n

Kim Fraser, who recently took over as clinic manager, said physician recruitment and continuity of care are among her priorities as she settles into the position.<\/p>\n

“I mean, we’ve hired 4 doctors in the last probably six months or so. And so been very lucky that way.”<\/p>\n

Fraser said the clinic could see more physicians arrive next year, although those plans have not been confirmed.<\/p>\n

Recruiting doctors and keeping them in Altona<\/p>\n

While attracting physicians to rural communities remains challenging, Fraser said retaining them is equally important.<\/p>\n

“You know, that’s a very good question because, you know, attracting doctors is one thing, retaining them is another.”<\/p>\n

She said physicians at the clinic have four-year return-of-service agreements, after which some choose to remain while others move on for personal or professional reasons.<\/p>\n

The clinic is working to encourage physicians to build connections with Altona, including introducing prospective recruits to the community, clinic staff, and nearby hospital.<\/p>\n

Fraser said some physicians already live locally, while others commute from Winnipeg. Understanding what has encouraged existing doctors to settle in the community is one approach the clinic uses in recruitment.<\/p>\n

Continuity of care was also identified as a concern in a recent patient survey, she said.<\/p>\n

Meet the new doctors<\/p>\n

The Altona Clinic has put a recent emphasis on connecting with the community through their social media pages.<\/p>\n

Some of the posts include introductions to the new doctors who have joined the team:<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Expanded services and shorter wait times<\/p>\n

Beyond recruiting doctors, Fraser hopes to expand the range of health-care services available locally.<\/p>\n

The clinic is considering adding providers such as a midwife, nurse practitioner, or foot care nurse. Those possibilities remain in the planning stages, with no confirmed timelines.<\/p>\n

Fraser said reducing the amount of time patients spend waiting to see their doctors is another priority.<\/p>\n

A recent patient survey identified waiting-room delays and physician continuity as areas of concern.<\/p>\n

The clinic is also cross-training staff and has introduced a new telephone system. Fraser acknowledged the system still has some issues to resolve but expects it to improve the patient experience.<\/p>\n

Over the longer term, she hopes to see the clinic grow through additional physicians and services while maintaining an environment where patients feel comfortable seeking care.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Bringing decades of nursing experience to Altona<\/p>\n

Fraser brings more than 40 years of nursing experience to her new position, much of it spent in northern Manitoba.<\/p>\n

Originally from Thompson, she has worked in nursing stations and held roles in public health, community health, education, administration, and management.<\/p>\n

Before joining the Altona Clinic, she worked with the federal government to develop a team of nurses who could travel to remote northern communities experiencing staffing shortages.<\/p>\n

Although she has attempted retirement twice, Fraser said the opportunity to use her rural health-care experience in Altona appealed to her.<\/p>\n

She has also maintained a connection to the Pembina Valley through Morden, where she said she and her family have had a home for approximately 17 years.<\/p>\n

Fraser said the welcome she received from Altona Clinic staff and physicians has made a positive impression during her first weeks on the job.<\/p>\n

“I walked in, the staff is absolutely amazing. They welcomed me so quickly. The doctors were wonderful. I couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to the clinic and to the community.”<\/p>\n

\"Kim<\/p>\n

Clinic encourages residents to connect<\/p>\n

With four new physicians accepting patients, Fraser said the clinic has been working to raise awareness through community postcards, highway signage, and new social media accounts.<\/p>\n

The clinic’s Facebook<\/a> and Instagram<\/a> pages will also continue to introduce physicians and other staff members to residents.<\/p>\n

Fraser said her long-term goal is to build a larger practice with more services available close to home.<\/p>\n

“We want them to have the services in their hometown where it should be.”<\/p>\n

Residents looking for a family physician can contact the Altona Clinic at 204-324-6447 or by email at\u00a0info@altonaclinic.ca<\/p>\n

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