City kicks in to Hamilton doctor recruitment program

Hamilton city hall has voted to increase funding to a program that recruits family doctors.

The program was in jeopardy after Hamilton Health Sciences and St Joeseph’s Healthcare Hamilton collectively withdrew $80,000 in funding.

The hospitals have now agreed to contribute a total of $50,000.
McMaster will increase its portion, and the city will pick up the shortfall of $25,000 this year.
Next year, the city might have to find the money again. But councillor Lloyd Ferguson says, the program is worth it.
Since 2005, 117 doctors have been recruited, but because of aging doctors who retire, the city has a total of five fewer doctors.
Video: Evening News coverage: