Newly recruited family physician practising in Elk Point

ELK POINT — A newly recruited family physician is practising at the local healthcare centre and in the community, improving access to care for residents in the Elk Point area.

Dr. Chuka Oraegbuna is a family medicine physician now practising at the Elk Point Healthcare Centre and the Comfort Clinic in Elk Point. Dr. Oraegbuna, who prefers to be called Dr. Chuka, is supporting the local emergency department, inpatient and outpatient services, and long-term care at the local healthcare centre, as well as providing family medicine care at the community clinic.

“We are very happy to welcome Dr. Chuka to Elk Point,” says Scott Cyr, MLA for Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St. Paul. “His expertise will have a significant impact for the community as a whole and the health and well-being of area residents.”

Call the Comfort Clinic at 780-724-3500 to learn more about Dr. Chuka’s family medicine practice.

“Dr. Chuka is a welcome addition to the healthcare team in Elk Point,” says Dr. Jane Ojedokun, Zone Medical Director in the North Zone of Alberta Health Services (AHS). “His arrival helps ensure patients in Elk Point receive the highest standard of care when they need it.”

The addition of Dr. Chuka offers additional in-person physician coverage to support the Elk Point emergency department (ED). As in-person physician coverage has been secured, the previously announced closure of the ED from 7 a.m. on Wednesdays to 8 a.m. on Thursdays is cancelled, effective immediately. Virtual Emergency Physician coverage may still be available for the Elk Point ED when on-site physician coverage is unexpectedly unavailable.

“Securing on-site physician coverage in our emergency department has remained our top priority,” says Brenda-Anne Haire Killam, integrated site manager, Elk Point Healthcare Centre.

Dr. Chuka received his initial medical training in his home country of Nigeria before pursuing additional training and completing his residency in the U.K. He is married with three children, and enjoys spending time with family, cooking, hunting and travelling.

As part of an overall physician recruitment strategy, AHS has three physician resource planners in the North Zone who are dedicated to identifying and pursuing international and domestic physician recruitment opportunities. These planners work closely with partner organizations, such as the Rural Health Professionals Action Plan and local, independent community physician attraction and retention committees.

Alberta Health Services provides a range of healthcare services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Our mission is to provide excellent, patient-focused healthcare that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans. Our current focus is on reducing emergency department wait times, improving EMS response times, increasing access to surgeries, and improving patient flow.