CAGS aims to create a centralized co-ordination of locus for the provision of surgical care to remote and rural locations

1. A Centralized Co-ordination of
Locums for the Provision of Surgical
Care to Remote and Rural Locations
A CAGS Pilot Project

2. The Problem
Canada, as the 2nd largest country in the world
by area, poses a unique geographic challenge to
the delivery of universal health care to all
Canadians

3. The Problem
Most Canadians live in a very narrow band close to
the border with the USA
The vast majority of the country, though is sparsely
populated
The question arises: “How do we provide care to
those living in remote areas when population
density doesn’t warrant significant health care
infrastructure?”

4. How do we provide care
for those Canadians
living in the the black
area on the map?

5. CAGS Locum Office Pilot Project
It is NOT realistic to have a low volume solo
surgical practice in a remote location
It may be feasible to have a remote site covered
by an ongoing rotation of several surgeons

6. CAGS Locum Office Pilot Project
This model has proven effective in the province
of Quebec
There are obstacles to providing inter-provincial
locum coverage

7. CAGS Locum Office Pilot Project
CAGS is proposing the creation of a centralized
office to manage locum coverage across the
country
This office would aid in matching appropriate
candidates to sites that are in need of coverage
The office would aid the locum surgeon with the
necessary paperwork, etc. to do the job

8. Trial Site – Thompson, Manitoba

9. About Thompson
Located in Manitoba’s north, Thompson is a
mining town of about 13,000 people with a
catchment of around 25,000 people
www.thompson.ca

10. Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) as
seen in Thompson

11. Pisew Falls, Near Thompson

12. About Thompson
Thompson already has Ob/Gyne coverage
Anaesthesia is provided by a mix of FRCSC
trained and GP anaesthetists
Currently, Thompson is staffed by a combination
of locum coverage by surgeons from Winnipeg,
and a part-time local surgeon

13. Dates Available
• Coverage is needed for the following weeks:
– September 22 to October 6
– November 2 to November 17
– December 1 to December 11
– December 22 to January 2
– 2018 not yet organized

14. Business Details
Room and Board is covered
Travel expenses are reimbursed
Details of remuneration still being worked out
Current Remuneration:
Weekdays: $1200/day
Weekend/Holidays: $2000/day
On-call Shifts: $595.94

15. Issues to Resolve
CAGS is working on the details of licensure
across jurisdictions
Currently, the CAGS office will assist in helping
surgeon from outside Manitoba acquire the
essential documents
Work is being done to reduce the amount of
paperwork and fees associated with licensing

16. The Goal
CAGS hopes to create a centralized Locum Office
housed at CAGS
If we can keep Thompson, Manitoba fully staffed for
the next year, we will have proof of concept
Once proof of concept is established we can expand
the program to other areas of Canada, helping to
ensure access to surgical care for all Canadians

17. Contacts for Questions
• At CAGS
– Dawn Wilson dwilson@cags-accg.ca
Office Phone: 613-882-6510
– Dr. Brent Zabolotny bpzabolotny@gmail.com
Cell Phone: 204-292-0526
• In Winnipeg/Thompson
– Dr. Brent Anderson andersob@cc.umanitoba.ca
• Medical Director Northern Health Region
– Dr. Deborah Mabin dmabin@nrha.ca