Physician Recruitment & Retention Incentive:
Stettler Town Council has adopted a new policy to incentivize doctors to move to the community.
In partnership with the County of Stettler, the “Physician Recruitment & Retention Incentive” will compensate new doctors between $50,000-$70,000.
Each municipality will be responsible for between $25,000 to $35,000, for as many as seven doctors, depending on their position and qualifications.
In particular, Stettler is in need of general practitioners, anesthesiology and child delivery services.
Specialists will be entitled to the full amount upon five years of service in the community.
The incentive must be fully paid back if their contract lasts under two years, or at a prorated amount if they leave between two and five years.
The availability of doctors in Stettler has been a recurring issue, however in recent months has reached a crisis level with temporary emergency room closures.
The motion also authorizes the mayor and CAO to enter into an agreement to administer and fund the incentive.
County Council approved this initiative during their monthly meeting on July 10, following a joint meeting with Town Council in June.
Author: Landin Chambers
Landin Chambers is a news reporter for Hometown Media Stettler. He has a background in broadcast news, with previous roles in Prince George, Red Deer and Calgary. You may also see him as a cameraman for the Stettler Wildcats and Stettler Imperials. Have a story idea? Email: lchambers@htproductionsmedia.ca
