Doctor numbers increasing in Cold Lake

Cold Lake, AB – Obtaining a family physician as a resident of Cold Lake has been notoriously difficult over the past few years, but recent months have started to see this shift.

“We know many residents are still in need and are seeking for a family physician,” said Mayor Bob Mattice. “We continue to hear these concerns assertively throughout the community.”

Between three main medical care clinics, including CL Medical Clinic, Merrit Medical Clinic, and Lakeland Medical Clinic, along with the Primary Care Network, additional doctors and nurse practitioners are slowly being added to the community.  The newest doctor will be joining Lakeland Medical Clinic in mid-March and has openings for new patients. The Clinic also advised the City of their availability to accommodate clinic patients daily who need a quick appointment for prescriptions, requisitions, or driver’s medical. Residents looking for more information can call the clinic at 780-639-3001.

“It’s our understanding that many of the current doctors at Lakeland Medical Clinic may also have some openings for new patients,” said Mattice. “We want to make sure our residents are aware of this opportunity to get on with a family physician.”

Council continues to keep “Doctor and Medical Professional Recruitment and Retention” as one of its top five strategic priorities, which includes an expansion at CL Medical Clinic, a municipally controlled corporation (MCC), which will see the building increase by more than 15,000 square feet. Municipalities typically do not run businesses or organizations, so an MCC can instead be established to provide services, manage assets, or undertake specific functions. The MCC is led by a board of directors, which consists of two members of council and three members of the public.

It is understood that the CL Medical Clinic maintains a list of residents seeking family doctors at its clinic as their doctor’s practices expand and bring on new physicians.

“We welcome all new and incoming doctors to our community,” said Mattice. “We’re happy to see them decide to call Cold Lake home.”

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