Doctors are looking for affordable clinic spaces and housing in Richmond to serve the thousands of Richmondites who currently don't have a family doctor.
Dr. Angela Shen, a family physician, and Jennifer West, executive director of the Richmond Division of Family Practice, spoke to city council earlier this month, pleading with them to address these issues they feel are impeding doctors from practicing in Richmond.
Describing it as an "increasingly problematic health crisis" for family doctors, West explained many young doctors are finding it difficult to meet the needs of Richmond residents due to the lack of affordable spaces to practice.
"It's difficult to find space and, for space that is available, it is expensive," said West.
She asked whether there are ways to work within the city's zoning rules to open clinics in shared spaces with other services or facilities to save on cost.
Long permit process times and housing needs for young physicians or those in an apprenticeship are also a concern as most don't have funds or time to wait months to open a clinic, according to West.
She added having short-term housing rentals near hospitals or practicing facilities for medical learners would greatly help them.
West estimates 44,000 Richmond residents are without a family doctor and is urging city council to help recruit and keep talented doctors in the city by allowing cheaper clinic spaces.
"We are in competition with neighbouring communities for that talent and we're not a shadow of Vancouver," she said.
Coun. Carol Day suggested the Richmond Division of Family Practice consult with the city's economic development office to find vacant office space and potential co-working space.
Day asked city staff whether it would be possible to "get creative" with the city's zoning bylaws to allow doctors to live and open a clinic in the same space.
However, city staff said there are multiple rules for different medical facilities and that "home occupations do not lend themselves to client serving."
Mayor Malcolm Brodie pushed the delegates to bring up the issue of housing with the province.
The provincial government is preparing new housing legislation to turn more short-term rentals into long-term homes for people.
The new Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act will give local governments stronger tools to enforce short-term rentals, restrict short-term rentals to primary residences and more.
"I can tell you if there's any chance of having a medical learners unit somewhere, it's gone with that new legislation and the prescriptions they are imposing on the cities," said Brodie.
"It's really a terrible situation."
Got an opinion on this story or any others in Richmond? Send us a letter or email your thoughts or story tips to [email protected].
