Two doctors will visit Clearwater during the next two months to check out the community as possible places to re-locate, according to Mayor John Harwood.
“It’s a good thing. It’s the first time we’ve had people looking for a while,” he said.
The first, who is coming from the UK, is expected to arrive in about a week and will stay several days. He will be travelling with his wife and daughter.
The second will arrive in early July and is expected to just stay overnight. He is from South Africa.
Other good news for the local medical situation includes one doctor who has agreed to a three-month locum (temporary placement) in Clearwater.
More locums are needed, Harwood said. He particularly would like to see more Kamloops doctors help out evenings and weekends.
With the departure of Dr. Mathilde Stuart in mid-May Clearwater is now down to just one permanent physician, Dr. John Soles.
Fears have been expressed that Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital might not be able to offer 24/7 emergency room service because of the shortage.
Until a fews years ago Clearwater had five permanent doctors.
