The last week saw more temporary closures of rural ER services, something the NLMA says is not unexpected given difficulties in recruitment of rural physicians.

The most recent was in Whitbourne where emergency services shut down over the weekend and will remain closed until July 11, due to what Eastern Health called “human resource challenges.”

Newly-appointed Medical Association President, Dr. Kris Luscombe says challenges remain in getting young medical grads to consider setting up practice in rural parts of the province.

The issue is not the communities themselves, but the workload, he indicates.

Luscombe says the situation is complex, but he’s pleased to see greater attention being placed on finding solutions.

He says a more innovative approach is needed to address the burnout caused by COVID and how to make rural practice more attractive.