The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
The successful Family Doctor Connection phone line program, which connects Winnipeggers with family physicians accepting new patients, is being expanded to include all residents of the province, Health Minister Dave Chomiak announced Friday. "The Family Doctor Connection phone line has been a tremendous success in Winnipeg," said Chomiak. "There have been more than 62,000 calls since the program was officially launched in 2002. Given the increasing complexity of the health care system, people need a family doctor more than ever." "I am very pleased with this addition," said Dr. Bill Pope, registrar of the College of Physicians and Surgeons. "A central access point for patients to obtain information about finding a new family physician is a key communication component in the overall provision of good medical care." A survey of rural physicians was completed in February with the goal of expanding the Family Doctor Connection phone line to the rest of the province. More than 170 physicians indicated they were willing to participate. "A family physician is a key health care provider who guides patients to specialized health care services as required," said Chomiak. "Everyone needs a family doctor to ensure they receive timely health care." Chomiak said the unveiling of the rural Family Doctor Connection line is an important component Ñ improving health information services to the public Ñ of the provincial government's five-point wait list reduction plan. "We are keeping our promise to expand the Family Doctor Connection phone line to rural Manitoba," said Chomiak. "We are meeting our commitment to an improved quality of life for all Manitobans through innovation today for a stronger tomorrow." The provincewide phone line is operational effective immediately at 1-866-690-8260.
