Local healthcare access expands as Welland reaches physician recruitment goals

The City of Welland’s physician recruitment incentive program has successfully met its 2024 objectives. Ten new doctors, including seven from the United Kingdom, will be established in the community by the end of November. This will bring the total number of physicians in Welland to 34. These new healthcare providers are expected to enrol more than 15,000 residents who previously lacked access to local primary care.

The recruitment program was initiated in June 2023 to address Welland’s status as an area of high physician need. Financial incentives are offered to physicians starting new practices or taking over existing ones, directly improving healthcare access for all residents.

As Welland’s population continues to grow, City Council remains committed to supporting the program and has approved an additional $1 million to continue the recruitment effort.

“Our Council is dedicated to ensuring that every resident has access to a family physician,” said Mayor Frank Campion. “This program has been instrumental in addressing our healthcare needs, and the success we’ve seen so far is just the beginning as we look to recruit more doctors in the future.”

Jill Croteau, physician recruitment specialist with Niagara Region, was enthusiastic about the program’s results. “The success of this recruitment campaign comes from the collaboration between local municipalities and regional partners. We’ve attracted top-tier physicians who are excited to establish their practices in Welland. We’re making strides in ensuring our communities have access to the healthcare they deserve.”

The physician recruitment campaign is part of a regional effort through the Southern Ontario Physician Recruitment Alliance. In 2024, 39 per cent of the 23 new physicians relocating to the region chose Welland. As a result of effective international marketing efforts, 64 per cent of the doctors arrived from the United Kingdom.

For information about the physician recruitment program, visit www.niagararegion.ca/health/professionals/physician-recruitment/default.aspx.

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For media inquiries, please contact:
Paul Orlando
Communications Specialist
905-735-1700 x2133
paul.orlando@welland.ca