Charles Beaver is determined to bring doctors to Beaver Bank.
The owner of the community's Guardian pharmacy on the Beaver Bank Road recently posted a sign asking residents to help the cause by adding their names to a list expressing interest in the idea.
"The intent is to offer people the choice to get services, in this case a medical clinic, in their local community," Beaver explained. "We're looking for a way of saying to potential physicians "Here are 132 people saying they want your services and want you here.'"
In a period of about three weeks, more than 100 people had signed the list indicating their interest. But Beaver expects the number of people keen on the idea is much higher.
"If you have 100 that chose to stop in to the pharmacy and sign, I'm bold enough to say there's about another 900 who drove by and just didn't have the time to stop," he said.
Beaver believes a physician's clinic in Beaver Bank would benefit numerous residents. Many seniors live in the community. They and others who rely on public transit often face challenges when travelling to visit their doctors in Sackville, Dartmouth or Halifax.
"My disabled brother lives in the neighbourhood and has to take a cab to his doctor all the way down in Halifax," Beaver said. "That's expensive."
Several people who've already signed the list have doctors in other communities, while some have no doctor at all. Beaver said although community walk-in clinics and emergency rooms serve an important function, they're not ideal for those who need and want continuing care, preferably in their own community.
"As the world evolves, energy costs rise and the environment becomes more of a concern," he said. "I don't want to get in a car and drive 30 kms if I don't have to."
Beaver has the option of leasing the premises next door to his pharmacy. He proposes renovating the existing laundromat to create a clinic space.
"I'd leave the logistics to whoever comes in. It could be as small as one doctor and two exam treatment rooms or as many as three doctors," he said.
Enticing doctors to Beaver Bank isn't proving difficult. Beaver said two physicians have already expressed a strong interest in working there.
"The physicians we've been talking to have all practiced in the province for many years," he said.
Adding your name to the list isn't a solid commitment. Beaver said it simply lets potential physicians know this is a service residents would use and want to see in their community.
Visit the pharmacy at 309 Beaver Bank Rd. for more information or to sign the list.
ydentremont@hfxnews.ca
