PETER L. SMITH
LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE

L’ISLE-AUX-ALLUMETTES – This past month, many patients were informed by letter that their family doctors, Dr. Martin Benfey and Dr. John Wootton, had retired. Both had been seeing patients by appointment at the CLSC in Chapeau.

Patients were told to contact the Lotus Clinic in Shawville to obtain a new physician. Many already have upcoming appointments to meet their new doctors. However, for seniors and others with health issues, the travel to Shawville is a major concern, adding strain for those with limited mobility. At present, no new doctors are scheduled to see patients in Chapeau.

Transportation services are available, but only for those able to make the trip. Patients will continue to be directed to the CLSC in Chapeau for services such as dressing changes, some vaccinations, and other injections with nurse Paula Keon, who mainly works in the Healthy Baby department one to two days a week.