17 new doctors coming to Lethbridge, some before winter: AHS – Lethbridge | Globalnews.ca

The shortage of GPs in Lethbridge and other parts of southern Alberta has been a constant topic of discussion for quite some time. It’s an issue that could concern residents as cold and flu season approaches.

The City of Lethbridge, health organizations and other stakeholders have developed a marketing strategy to attract more doctors to the area, and Alberta Health Services says there is interest.

“Seventeen GPs have made a commitment to the Lethbridge community and are awaiting their College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) practice readiness assessment,” AHS said in an update to Global News on Wednesday.

“Four of the 17 have started the first part of their exam targeting their autumn practice start in Lethbridge,” the statement said, adding that the remainder are expected to start practice between December and March 2023.

“Additional recruitment of licensed physicians is expected as a result of the marketing strategy developed by AHS, the Chinook Primary Care Network and community stakeholders.”

Becky Anderson, the pharmacy director at Draffin’s Pharmasave in Lethbridge, said pharmacists are a good resource when someone has questions about their symptoms, whether they don’t have access to a doctor or not.

The Alberta government is warning of a possible spike in respiratory illnesses this fall and winter, including influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19.

“Pharmacists are very approachable to talk about things like this,” Anderson said.

“There’s always something available, and pharmacists really are the most accessible healthcare professionals when it comes to over-the-counter products.”

Anderson said the flu vaccine will be available by October 17.

“Just keep in mind that you can get your COVID vaccine or COVID booster at the same time as the flu shot, which is (nice) that we can do it at the same time,” the pharmacist said.

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The province has also stressed the importance of continuing healthy habits over the next few months, when more people will be going indoors.

“As more Albertans continue the habits of recent years, such as B. Staying at home when sick, washing hands regularly, accessing vaccine protection at recommended intervals, and considering the use of masks in indoor public spaces in the event of high transmission, the more together The impact of all these respiratory viruses can be reduced,” wrote Charity Wallace, assistant director of communications at Alberta Health.

“It remains important to remember that our actions affect our families and communities, as well as ourselves.”

For more information on influenza, visit the Alberta Government website.

–With files by Erik Bay, Global News