Hay River (Oct 02/06) - After being without a permanent physician since May, Hay River will get one early next year.

Dr. David Smith has agreed to an 18-month contract, beginning in February.

However, the doctor, who will move to town with his wife Mez, said their stay could be much longer. "We've already bought a house there."

Smith worked in Hay River several times this year as a locum -- a physician who travels to various communities for short periods.

The 60-year-old hopes his decision to move to Hay River will influence other doctors to take permanent positions in the community.

"I think it could snowball," he said, noting a physician friend of his is already interested in moving to town.

Smith, who is currently working as a locum in the Sahtu, noted many physicians are cautious about committing long-term to a community where there are no permanent physicians. "They're scared they're going to be left on their own," he explained.

Smith said he enjoyed his time as a locum in Hay River, noting he made good friends and liked the recreational opportunities. "It sort of fits into our lifestyle very nicely."

Plus, he said he was impressed with the Hay River Medical Clinic and its computerized systems.

Paul Vieira, CEO of the Hay River Health and Social Services Authority, is happy Smith is coming to town.

"It will help provide some stability," Vieira said.

The authority is still looking for other permanent physicians, however. "Occasionally there are leads, but we haven't been able to finalize any other contracts."

The health authority aims to have three or four doctors in the community, but the number has been as low as one at times this year. Last week, there were four locums.

Vieira hopes having one permanent physician will make it easier to attract others. The health authority is being assisted in the search by national recruiters and the Department of Health and Social Services.

The difficulty in attracting permanent physicians to Hay River is largely blamed on the national shortage of doctors.

The absence of permanent doctors has contributed to a number of problems in Hay River. Most notably, a walk-in service at the medical clinic has not been offered since December. Anyone without an appointment at the clinic, but in need of immediate medical attention, must go to the nearby hospital.

There have also been patient concerns, since locums are not as readily familiar with medical histories as a permanent doctor would be.

Smith, who is originally from South Africa, spent seven years working as a permanent physician in Saskatchewan, along with six years as a locum in various parts of Western Canada.