Town & County of Stettler Jointly Approve Physician Recruitment Financial Incentives

Urgent, short-term measures will be followed by long-term strategic planning

LINK: PHYSICIAN 5-YEAR TERM INCENTIVE PROGRAM

Stettler, Alta – Following the announcement of Joint Physician Attraction Incentives agreed upon by the County of Stettler and Town of Stettler, our municipalities are pleased to announce the approval of a new financial incentive structure.

The Town and County of Stettler have collaboratively advocated with the Government of Alberta and Alberta Health Services to address the urgency of our region’s healthcare shortage. With the assistance and support of MLA Nate Horner, we feel progress has been made through these advocacy efforts. 

However, in light of the severity of the physician shortage crisis our community is facing, the Town and County of Stettler have agreed recruitment efforts beyond those being offered by Alberta Health Services are also necessary.

Following formal approval at the July 10th County of Stettler Council Meeting and July 16th Town of Stettler Council Meeting, the attached funding structure has been approved and is now in effect. 

Says County of Stettler Reeve Clarke:

"This new financial incentive structure marks a significant step forward in our joint efforts to address the current physician shortage crisis in our region. By collaborating with the Town of Stettler and with the invaluable support of MLA Nate Horner, we are making strides to attract and retain physicians in our community. The severity of this issue demands immediate and proactive measures, and we believe this approved funding structure will enhance our recruitment efforts. Our goal is to ensure our citizens and rural Albertans receive access to the healthcare services we deserve. We are deeply grateful for the unwavering commitment of our current physicians and healthcare professionals who continue to serve our community with dedication during these very challenging times."

Adds Town of Stettler Mayor Nolls:

“In light of the current shortage of doctors not only in our community, but countless other communities throughout our province and country, this incentive program will give us and our partners in the County of Stettler the competitive advantage we need to bring doctors to our area. Although the overarching goal is to address our general physician shortage, this incentive program highlights the particular need for permanent anesthesiologists, and puts a focus on obstetrics.”

Our community’s physicians and health care professionals have been fully committed to providing the highest level of care and filling service gaps where necessary throughout this shortage, while actively participating in recruitment efforts throughout this time of added pressures. We are greatly thankful for their commitment and dedication to the Stettler Region, and those who reside within it.

Mayor Sean Nolls, Town of Stettler
Reeve Larry Clarke, County of Stettler