Three more doctors to leave Lethbridge this summer

The number of Lethbridge residents without a family physician is about to grow higher.

It only just had its grand opening in 2021, but Bridge City News has confirmed that three of the four family doctors at Six-08 Health clinic are leaving the city.  Unconfirmed reports say that as many as 6,000 patients could be affected. 

BCN is being told the doctors are all leaving the city for different reasons including family obligations, and two of the three are actually leaving the province. However, it leaves the number of Lethbridge residents without a family doctor growing exponentially.  It’s estimated that around 40,000 people in Lethbridge do not have a doctor.  The departure of the three Six-08 doctors this summer will increase that number significantly. 

Clinic staff say they sent out letters on Friday to patients informing them of the upcoming changes. Many of those patients should be receiving those letters this week.  Patients are being told that there are some options for doctors in Cardston, Standoff and Milk River, as well as the Opioid clinic in Lethbridge.  Patients are also being advised to visit the Find a Doctor page on the Alberta Health Services website. An option for patients needing prescription renewals is the Babylon Telus Health app.

Meanwhile, the City’s Cultural and Social Standing Policy Committee was told that close to a dozen doctors will be making their way to our city this fall. At least three international graduate physicians have signed offer letters to come to Lethbridge, while others are pending. 

Additionally, city council voted to allocate $15,000 dollars to a family physician and recruitment campaign.