Wasaga Beach welcomes new family doctor
Wasaga Beach welcomes its new family doctor with open arms and expanded clinic services.
The town's newest family physician, Dr. Jacob Jeffrey McGavin, began by taking over an existing family medicine practice in Wasaga Beach Thursday. It will ensure that over 750 residents continue to have access to a family doctor.
McGavin expects to add 150 patients to his roster in the coming months.
"I feel great about establishing roots and providing care in a place that is very connected and proactive. The town of Wasaga Beach has been supportive of my move and it has been a pleasure to deal with staff at town hall," McGavin said.
Through a recently topped-up recruitment strategy with the province funding its South Georgian Bay Ontario Health Team (SGBOHT) and Georgian Bay Family Health Team (GBFHT), Wasaga will expand services at the town’s 160 Beck Street medical centre and after-hours clinic.
- Download the CTV News app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates sent to your email inbox
This is the result of the council's proactive recruitment efforts, including a recently topped-up $100,000 municipal family physician incentive program.
"I’m impressed with the actions the municipality is taking, working with other partners in healthcare, including the SGBOHT and GBFHT, to expand services through the Wasaga Beach Medical Clinic," said McGavin. "Having a state-of-the-art medical centre and after-hours clinic in a small town is as important to me, as a new family physician, as it is to my current and future patients and residents in Wasaga Beach.
"It means that patients have more options to seek the care they need, when they need it and achieve better health outcomes. I’m looking forward to becoming a part of the network of family physicians and healthcare partners that are committed to caring for and serving the needs of families in Wasaga Beach," he said.
Mayor Brian Smith said he is thrilled to see a new doctor in Wasaga Beach.
"This is further evidence that our plan is working. Topping up the Town’s $100,000 family physician incentive program to be more in-line with neighboring communities and re-opening the Wasaga Beach Medical Centre and After Hours Clinic was a priority for this Council, and we got it done," said Smith.
There is no waitlist to join McGavin's patient roster. Residents who do not currently have a family doctor are encouraged to seek non-urgent care through the Wasaga Beach Medical Clinic at this time. To ensure local residents who are most in need of a family physician get served first, McGavin will be working with the clinic directly to recruit new patients as soon as he is ready to begin growing his practice.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Feels like mid-30s in parts of Canada, while other areas expecting snow
Anything is possible this week, as far as Canada's weather is concerned, with forecasts ranging from scorching heat in some parts of the country to rain and snow in others.
BREAKING Canada's inflation cools to 3-year low of 2.7%, in boost for rate cut bets
Canada's annual inflation rate slowed to a three-year low of 2.7 per cent in April, matching expectations, and core measures continued to ease, data showed on Tuesday, likely boosting chances of a June interest rate cut.
1 dead, others injured after London-Singapore flight hit severe turbulence, Singapore Airlines says
One person has died aboard a London-Singapore flight that encountered severe turbulence, Singapore Airlines said Tuesday. The plane was diverted to Bangkok, where emergency crews rushed to help injured passengers amid stormy weather.
Independent stores and grocery alternatives see sales boost amid Loblaw boycott
As the month-long boycott of Loblaw-owned stores wears on, small independent food retailers and alternative grocery options say they're seeing a boost in traffic and sales.
What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend? An expert explains
If you've been to a party lately and haven't seen someone drinking a BORG, you're likely not partying with college students.
How to check the Air Quality Health Index and assess your health risks
As we enter another wildfire season, Environment and Climate Change Canada is advising people to pay attention to air pollution levels and check the Air Quality Health Index – especially on smoky days.
Cardinal Lacroix cleared after investigation ordered by the Pope
The Vatican has announced that the investigation it commissioned into allegations of sexual touching against Cardinal Gerald Cyprien Lacroix did not confirm any act constituting misconduct or abuse on the part of the Vatican.
Trudeau making 'Team Canada' pitch in visit to Philadelphia
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is in Philadelphia today, on his first trip south of the border since his government launched a new 'Team Canada' charm offensive in the United States.
Oilers win Game 7 over Canucks, advance to Western Conference Final
The Edmonton Oilers weathered a late Vancouver Canucks charge on Monday night, beating the hosts 3-2 to win their seven-game second-round playoff series in the decisive showdown.