Peachland’s only medical clinic will close its doors for good on March 28.
Unable to find a new medical director after its current one Dr. John Brinkerhoff is retiring, Beach Avenue Medical Clinic’s final day will be Thursday. It closes its doors at 12 p.m.
READ MORE: Peachland’s doctors moving out of the district
The other four doctors at the office have moved to other locations in the Okanagan. Dr. Jeff Hoekstrahas moved his practice to Kelly Ave Clinic in Summerland. Dr. Alanna Leverrier and Dr. Chantal Fourie are moving their practices to Towne Center Clinic in West Kelowna and Dr. Brian Mackay will move his practice to Hillside Medical Clinic in Kelowna.
The practice will remain open for the next few days as Dr. Brinkerhoff is accepting walk-ins.
Peachland’s council passed a motion to show its support for the clinic in January, urging staff to present an information report about the closure of small clinics in other areas.
READ MORE: Peachland council supports medical clinic that may close
“It’s a huge loss to the community and a lot of people are concerned and upset,” said Mayor Cindy Fortin, at the time. “All is not finalized yet, the district is working as closely as we can with the clinic operator and the (Central Okanagan Divisions of Family Practice) and we’re trying to find out if we can recruit someone to come to Peachland.”
READ MORE: Looking for a family doctor in Kelowna? Here’s how to get one
READ MORE: Millennial men least likely to have a family doctor: Statistics Canada
READ MORE: B.C. launches plan to tackle doctor shortage, emergency room congestion
@carliberry_carli.berry@kelownacapnews.comLike us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
