A number of Fraser Lake residents are expressing anger at Northern Health (NH) for failing to renew a contract of a popular physician in the community.
Dr. Richard Beever, who has served the community for more than seven years, said he was "shocked" when told last month that his alternate payment plan (APP) contract would be terminated March 31.
He says no reason was given other than APP contracts which are renewable annually. His last day of work at the Fraser Lake clinic will be April 29.
Ralph Roy, Stuart-Nechako Regional Hospital District chair, said he's disappointed in NH.
"I think they dropped the ball on this one, especially in the way it was done. If there's a problem, go and see him and deal with it," said Roy.
His Fraser Lake patients are taking up his cause through letters to NH, Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad and the media.
In an open letter to Rustad, resident Audrey Read said Beever showed outstanding skill during a procedure to fix her daughter's collapsed lung and a necessary Heimlich valve was not available.
"Dr. Beever skillfully fixed a rubber glove over the end of a tube for the air to escape if needed," said Read.
She added during video conferences, four specialists from Kelowna commended Beever on his care of Read's daughter, Shannon.
"And now NH won't renew his contract. Are they out of their minds. What a horrendous mistake they are making," she said.
"Unfortunately NH and some of their administrative staff have lost sight of the real reason for their jobs... patient care and not just the bottom line and having control over their fellow workers."
"They were never consulted and I think that's a concern. I hope in the future NH will take more of grassroots approach and consult with the patients of the affected community before making similar decisions," said Beever.
"Such decisions have a ripple effect. Patient needs should always come first and foremost."
Resident Ron Adair said he's upset that "suddenly out of the blue [Beever's] contract was not renewed."
"While NH preaches that it operates in an open, honest manner, they did just the opposite by getting rid of his job and then making him an offer he can't refuse," said Adair.
"I find him such a good doctor and open to alternate medicine. He's like having a guru to guide you. We want to see continuity of service here."
And on the the website ratemds.com, eight patients rated Beever's performance based on punctuality, helpfulness, knowledge and overall quality - he scored 4.7 on a scale of 5.
"We need more doctors like Dr. Beever and owe it to him to ensure he gets recurrent training at government expense so he will stay here to practice," states an online comment posted in November, 2007.
Dr. Susan McDonald, NH medical director for Northern Interior delivery service area, confirmed Beever's contract is not being renewed.
"[But] it's important to recognize we would like him to continue long term in NH," she said.
She said the doctor has several options including emergency room work in Vanderhoof, setting up his own private practice in Fraser Lake, and being supported by NH in training to enhance his emergency specialization.
Beever said a private practice competing with the health centre where doctors are on APP contracts "would be economically unfeasible."
APPs, used mainly in low-population rural and remote areas, are different than the more common fee-for-service physician payments.
"I will continue working ER in Vanderhoof and will likely do ER in Burns Lake [after the contract expires]," Beever told The Citizen this week.
"In September I will take an exam granting additional certification in emergency medicine. I will be OK. There is a healthy demand for good doctors though I will miss Fraser Lake. It was a wonderful place to call home."
While Fraser Lake Mayor Dwayne Lindstrom said he and the council "are not getting involved in this," they offered to provide a meeting place for the parties involved.
