Ministry of Health

Norfolk County continues to face urgent and compounding pressures within our local healthcare system. The challenges of physician shortages, stalled progress on the new hospital, and the implications of the Grand Erie Public Health (GEPH) merger are significantly impacting access to care for our residents. Rural communities like Norfolk require targeted provincial support to ensure equitable healthcare delivery and stability across our region. 

Where we're at

Primary Care Crisis and Physician Shortages 

Rural Ontario is experiencing an escalating crisis in access to primary care, and Norfolk County is no exception. Thousands of local residents remain unattached to a family physician, resulting in increased reliance on emergency services, delayed diagnoses, and worsening health outcomes. While Norfolk continues to invest in recruitment efforts, the scale of the challenge requires broader provincial intervention. 

Our ask

Norfolk is asking for assistance in drawing physicians to the area with incentives:

• Support for Rural Clinical Education Hubs
• Invest in rural placements and mentorship programs for medical students and residents in regions like Norfolk, in collaboration with colleges and universities. 
• Expedite assessment and licensing pathways to enable qualified graduates to practice in underserved communities. 

Where we're at

GEPH Merger

The GEPH merger has created operational challenges—particularly around wage harmonization across both counties—which poses risks to staffing stability and service continuity. 

Our ask

Support Wage Harmony Related to the GEPH Merger 

Work with Norfolk and our partner county to address wage harmonization challenges resulting from the merger, ensuring fairness, recruitment stability, and retention across the region.