Work continues on RR doctor shortage

By Ken Johnston
Editor

Work continues on a full time solution to the doctor problem in Rainy River.
With the departure of Dr. Albert Beller last year and then the announcement that Dr. David Singleton would also be leaving, the town appeared to be heading towards a crisis. With no doctors, where would people obtain medical services, both emergency and non-emergency related?
Riverside Health Care Facilities managed to secure locum coverage for both the Rainy River Clinic and Hospital/Long Term Care until September. Then two weeks ago, Dr. Singleton announced that he would resume full time practise in September for a period of one year.
Riverside said that they were meeting that week to firm up plans with Singleton.
Yesterday, Riverside President & CEO Allan Katz, told the Record, “While we can not speak for Dr. Singleton, we are very encouraged by his leadership.”
Katz said that the board is working towards a permanent solution to the physician coverage in Rainy River. “We moved closer in April and hope to have an announcement by the end of May. We have to make sure all the T’s are crossed and the I’s are dotted.”
Mayor Deb Ewald concurred with Katz, saying, “We need something permanent. This has year has been tough.” She said she expressed this want to Dr. Singleton and is encouraged by the efforts he and the Riverside Board are making.
As for Dr. Singleton’s scheduling, Katz said he can not put words in the doctor’s mouth. He did say they are still in the discussion process with Singleton. The Record sent Singleton an email Monday but had not heard back from him at press time.