Triple Access for Orleans: Recruiting, Retaining, and Connecting Family Doctors

Centrum Pharmacy has long been at the forefront of ensuring Orleans residents have access to timely, high-quality primary care. Now, Ontario’s provincial initiatives are complementing our efforts, creating a Triple Access approach to family medicine: recruitment, retention, and patient connection.

1. Recruiting More Family Doctors

Ontario’s shortage of family doctors has been a longstanding challenge. Premier Doug Ford’s government recently allocated $2.1 billion over four years to expand access for two million Ontarians without a family physician. Initiatives include:

• 130 approved proposals to create new clinics or expand existing ones.
• Financial incentives for doctors to accept new patients.
• Recruitment of U.S.-based physicians, with 261 moving to Ontario so far in 2025.

These measures are helping Orleans and surrounding communities gain access to more family doctors than ever before.

2. Retaining Physicians for the Long-Term

Recruitment is just the first step. Keeping doctors in Ontario requires sustainable support. Negotiations with the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) are enhancing contracts and addressing workload concerns, including:

• Payment for administrative work at $80 per hour for an average of 20 hours weekly.
• After-hours premiums and higher service fees.
• Support for maintaining manageable patient loads and reducing burnout.

Together, these measures aim to ensure that family physicians build long-lasting practices in Ontario, providing stable, consistent care for the community.

3. Connecting Patients to Care

Centrum Pharmacy continues to bridge the gap between patients and primary care. Our services include:

• Helping residents find and connect with family doctors.
• Supporting integrated, coordinated care alongside physicians.
• Providing minor ailment care and ongoing patient counseling.

By combining recruitment, retention, and patient access, Orleans is seeing measurable progress in primary care — a model for other communities in Ontario.

FAQ – Triple Access:

Q: Can patients get connected to new doctors quickly?
A: Yes. Centrum Pharmacy works directly with local clinics to help residents find available physicians.

Q: How long will doctors stay in Ontario?
A: Centrum Pharmacy Assists newly recruited physicians negotiate retention-focused contracts, workload support, and incentives that aim to keep physicians practicing long-term in our community.

Q: How does this benefit patients?
A: More doctors, stable practices, and easier access mean shorter wait times, continuity of care, and better health outcomes.

Disclaimer: The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information does not substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please do not initiate, modify, or discontinue any treatment, medication, or supplement solely based on this information. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider first. Full Disclaimer.