Visiting doctors and health professionals will have an affordable place to stay in town, thanks to a new program.
The city’s Essential Workers Temporary Housing Program is now up and running, providing visiting doctors and nurses with a fully-furnished apartment near the hospital for up to three months.
Sadie Mack with the Campbell River and District Division of Family Practice says housing is one of the biggest barriers to attracting new health professionals, especially locum doctors who come to provide temporary relief.
“There’s nothing worse than you line up a locum, you’re going to have a couple weeks off, and then they can’t find a place to live because it’s short-term, or they need to stay in a hotel at $250-350 per night,” she says. ““The collaboration with the City of Campbell River to provide essential workers with temporary housing options not only addresses a housing gap for temporary workers, but it also shows the permanent family doctors that the community values family physicians and is willing to go the extra mile to support them and their need to take time off.”
She says the program will help new physicians find the community while also providing much-needed relief for local physicians, ensuring patients get the best care possible.
The suite costs $50 per night and includes utilities, internet and weekly cleaning. All revenue goes back into the program.
In addition to housing, the city will also share welcome packages with physicians joining the community. The welcome bag will include products and services from local businesses that showcase the community, including Campbell River tea and soap, gift certificates for local food and beverage spots, as well as pins and magazines that highlight the community.
Businesses that would like to be a part of the welcome bag, or anyone with questions about the program, can email [email protected]
