Health PEI hopeful new family doctor will be found for Charlottetown practice

A plan is in the works to replace a well known Charlottetown doctor who left last year. Dr. Garth Slyszleft in December 2016 to workin the Caribbean, leaving 2,600 patients without a family doctor.

• Dr. Garth Slysz leaving Charlottetown practice

Health PEI said it has a job offer out to another physician to fillSlysz'svacancy, and officials are hopeful.

"We are currently in negotiations to permanently fill the physician vacancy and take over the practice," said Dr. Andre Celliers, chief of family and community medicine with Health PEI.

Locum coverage arranged

Celliers explained two locums have also been secured for the first few weeks in June.

"Patients can call the office to make an appointment," he said.

"They can also access other services that support their health and well-being without physician referral."

Health PEIcouldn't put an exact date on when a permanent replacement would begin but said it will continue to extend and recruit locum coverage until the vacancy is filled.

8 family doc jobs open now

Slysz's vacancy is one of manypositions Health PEI is trying to fill.

"There are currently eight family physician vacancies across the province, of which Health PEI is in negotiations with six physicians interested in these positions," said Celliers.

Celliers explained Health PEI is also actively recruiting for the remaining vacancies.

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