By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

GOVERNMENT ACTIONS THE REASON, SHE SAYS

Red Deer doctor makes ‘heart-wrenching’ decision to move to B.C.

Nov 9, 2020 | 1:12 PM

A Red Deer doctor says she is leaving for greener pastures in British Columbia.

Dr. Lauralee Dukeshire says the “heart-wrenching” decision is based solely on actions of the Alberta Government, which have led to a “hostile, toxic and unstable work environment for physicians.”

Dukeshire, a practicing family physician in Red Deer since 2006, says it’s been a stressful road to reach this difficult decision.

“It’s been very frustrating to have to figure out how to pick up my life from where I’ve been for 17 years and move. This is the only place my children have ever been, and it’s disappointing this has happened the way that it has,” says Dukeshire.

“The UCP government has taken a very antagonistic and paternalistic stance with doctors. It’s ‘We’re changing this and that’s the way it’s going to be.’ They’ve cancelled the AMA master agreement and not engaged in any meaningful negotiations with the Alberta Medical Association.”

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Dukeshire, who also does maternity care, opines that the UCP is very clearly making the move towards privatizing the health care system.

“That is certainly one reason I want to get out; before I’m in a situation where I’m forced to choose between making less money in the public system or a decent living in the private system,” she says.

A graduate of the University of Alberta, Dukeshire will be leaving 900 patients from around central Alberta to find a new doctor. In her letter, she outlines resources for patients to try and find alternate arrangements, including search.cpsa.ca and reddeerpcn.com.

She notes that Horizon Family Medicine, where she currently works, is diligently recruiting additional physicians.

Further, she believes the first step in repairing the relationship between government and doctors is letting Health Minister Tyler Shandro go from his portfolio.

“I never would’ve imagined that in Canada, I would be treated as an enemy of the government,” Dukeshire says. “We should be on the same side. Doctors are providing an essential service for the public.”

Dukeshire’s last day at Horizon Family Medicine, which she notes has an excellent, supportive and dedicated team, is Feb, 12, 2021.

(rdnewsNOW