STORY CONTINUES BELOW THESE SALTWIRE VIDEOS
Two more medical specialists are leaving Prince Edward Island, including one of only two plastic surgeons practising in the province. Tpee Plastic
Health P.E.I. has confirmed plastic surgeon Joseph Corkum will be departing this spring.
The answering machine at Corkum’s office confirmed his practice will be closing as of April 21, 2023.
Read more As premiers press for more health dollars, P.E.I. Green, Liberal leaders place failings at the feet of King After 44 years of practice, Western P.E.I. doctor looking forward to retirement
As premiers press for more health dollars, P.E.I. Green, Liberal leaders place failings at the feet of King
After 44 years of practice, Western P.E.I. doctor looking forward to retirement
The P.E.I. College of Physicians and Surgeons lists Corkum and Gary McLean as the two licensed plastic surgeons on P.E.I. Their database also lists Michael Bezuhly as a visiting consultant, also licensed as a plastic surgeon in the province.
Source: Health P.E.I.
Dr. Jacquelyn Corkum, a family physician who is also listed as a specialist in sports and exercise medicine, will also be departing. The two are married.
Health P.E.I. confirmed Dr. Jacquelyn Corkum does not currently carry a patient load.
SaltWire Network attempted to reach Dr. Corkum at his office on Feb. 13 but did not receive a response.
Bill Campbell, a patient of Corkum, said he was informed of his plastic surgeon’s departure during a visit earlier in February.
Campbell had waited two years to see a plastic surgeon to treat a tendon condition in his left hand. He said he was referred to Corkum by his family doctor, Kris Saunders. Saunders left his practice last summer, which means Campbell no longer has a family doctor or a plastic surgeon.
"He did my left hand,” Campbell said. "I said, 'OK well, can you do my right hand?' He said, 'well I'm leaving on April 5th.' 'I said when will you be back?' He said, 'I'm leaving for good.'"
Campbell added Corkum will try to see him again to treat his right hand but there is no guarantee.
"Everyone is up in arms about the health system and the doctors leaving." – Bill Campbell
Campbell said he was told the pair would be leaving to work in a hospital in Halifax. SaltWire Network has not been able to confirm that information.
Departures of family physicians and specialists have generated high public interest over the last year as the province’s health-care system grapples with staffing challenges in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
There are currently 27,417 Islanders who lack a family doctor or primary caregiver; hundreds more are not listed on the registry but are awaiting a replacement after the departure of their family doctor in recent months.
On Feb. 7, Summerside family Dr. Hal McRae announced to his 2,100 patients he would be leaving his practice.
The province is also facing a severe shortage of nurses and a challenging recruiting environment for other health workers.
"Everyone is up in arms about the health system and the doctors leaving," Campbell said.
Despite years of warnings from clinicians and physicians, the province lacks a succession plan to guide the province’s health care recruitment efforts over the coming years during expected retirements and a growing population.
The Department of Health and Wellness has contracted a health data specialist to complete a study of health-care staffing needs over the next five and 10 years.
Health P.E.I. spokesperson Everton McLean confirmed the province is actively recruiting a replacement plastic surgeon.
Stu Neatby is a political reporter with the SaltWire Network in Prince Edward Island. He can be reached by email at [email protected] and followed on Twitter @stu_neatby.
Ensure local journalism stays in your community by purchasing a membership today.
The news and opinions you’ll love for only $10 for 6 months.
Start your Membership Now
High Transparency Pa12 Sharing voices. Creating stronger communities.