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

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
Office Phone:
Dr. Brent Zabolotny
Cell Phone:
In Winnipeg/Thompson
Dr. Brent Anderson
Medical Director Northern Health Region
Dr. Deborah Mabin