Achi news desk-
St John’s economic development agency is making a pointed bid to attract and retain medical professionals.
“From our perspective, it’s a new area of ​​focus,” said Andrew Beckett, interim CEO of Envision Saint John.
The new campaign entitled ‘A Healthy Dose of Innovation in the St John’s Region’ markets the area as a hub for digital health and technological development, as well as highlighting partnerships between St John’s Regional Hospital and post-hospital organisations. adjacent secondary. The campaign also highlights the area’s quality of life and natural setting as selling points.
Beckett says the agency’s focus on health care is closely tied to the area’s economy as a whole.
“When we look at population growth, access to health care is a critical component of attracting and retaining people in general,” Beckett said. “We wanted to make sure we did our part.”
The health care sector in Saint John employs approximately 8,300 people, or one in eight workers, and according to Statistics Canada, it leads the area’s total payroll (approximately $432,000).
A panel discussion on local recruitment of medical professionals was held by the Saint John Region Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, following similar efforts by other communities.
“Money is great, but it’s about job opportunities, it’s about colleagues, it’s about creating a happy work environment where people feel valued,” said Dr. David Marr, Horizon Health Network medical director for the Saint John area. “That goes beyond money.”
About 50,500 New Brunswickers did not have a family doctor last spring, according to figures provided by the province’s health department. Updated numbers were not available from the province on Wednesday.
