Three new physicians have been hired to support the reopening of the emergency department at Carberry Health Centre.
Premier Wab Kinew said today, “When a rural community loses its physician, the impacts go beyond health care – it’s a blow to the economic vitality and future of the town. The previous government turned its back on rural health care, and in the case of Carberry, it meant losing their local doctor and emergency department. Our government worked hard to bring physician coverage back to Carberry and we’re glad to see the emergency department reopen so families can get the care they need.”
In September 2023, a contract for Carberry’s physician was allowed to expire, prompting the Carberry Health Centre to fully close its emergency department, noted the premier. At the time, Kinew made a personal commitment to support Carberry in finding staff to help reopen the emergency department.
Three new family physicians have been hired on a rotating basis to provide health-care services in Carberry, allowing the emergency department to reopen. Emergency services were available as of April 27 with physicians in place as of May 10.
Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara said, “The people of Carberry’s spirit and determination to restore their health services made an impact on our government. We listened to their needs and worked alongside the community over months to bring physicians back to this community. The hard work has paid off. Securing these doctors mean the emergency department can reopen, seniors can get the care they deserve and families have access to primary health care.”
The physicians will also provide care to residents in the community’s 36-bed long-term care facility and individuals receiving inpatient care at the health centre. Regular physician services also mean residents can resume making appointments for their primary care needs within the community.
“Our community was devastated by this loss,” said Mayor Ray Muirhead, Town of Carberry. “Citizens quickly came together to work on a plan to restore health services and we’re so grateful to the provincial government for their help in identifying physicians. Today we’re feeling really optimistic about the future for health care in Carberry.”
Both the premier and health minister thanked the community of Carberry, including the citizen-led Health Action Committee, for their advocacy work to restore health services.
