Derek Neary
Northern News Services

FORT SIMPSON (Jun 11/99) - While retaining health staff is a major issue in the North, Deh Cho Health and Social Services can rest easy now that its two doctors (filling one position) have agreed to remain in Fort Simpson for at least another year.

Drs. Laura Lee McFadden and Shane Barclay each gave a number of reasons why they decided to stay. Foremost among them is the support staff, they said.

"I really enjoy working with the nurses here. They're an excellent group of nurses and that was definitely part of it," said McFadden, who began work in Fort Simpson on July 1, "and I grew up in a small town about this size (Boissevain, Man.), so I've really enjoyed living in the community."

Barclay, who started his term on Aug. 1 of last year, echoed those sentiments.

"I like it here, very simply," he said. "I like the medicine. The nursing staff are great to work with. The people are good. I've quite enjoyed my year so far."

McFadden and Barclay both came to the Deh Cho from North Vancouver where Barclay had his own practice. McFadden, who had worked short stints in the North, asked if he'd be interested in sharing the job with her in the Deh Cho. He sold his practice to take on the challenge. It seems the timing was right. In Vancouver, Barclay said he had often been working 80 hours per week.

"So it was a quality of life decision," he said.

The doctors work on a two months in, two months out rotation in the Deh Cho. For Barclay the two months in Fort Simpson frequently means 60 days away from his wife and three children.

"That's the big downside of it all," he said. "Actually, they've been very supportive. She (his wife) has been really great. All my kids have, too."

He pointed out that his wife and daughter, who's the youngest of the bunch, have been up to visit him occasionally. The two months he gets to spend with them back at home in Lion's Bay is "quality time," he added.

While on duty in Fort Simpson, the doctors usually work a 9 a.m.-5 p.m. day at the health centre and remain on call throughout the night and on weekends. Most Wednesdays are spent visiting patients in surrounding communities.

The isolation from specialists is one of the greatest challenges in the North, they agreed.

"You don't have the same back-up you would in the city," McFadden said, adding that they have come to rely on phone calls to major centres like Vancouver when they require specialized advice.

Furthermore, procedures like ultrasound and blood work have to be done elsewhere, Barclay noted. Despite the renovations to the facility, which he praised, he said he hopes residents don't forget that the building will remain a health centre, not a hospital.

Another twist to working in the North is the unconventional 'patients.'

"I've been asked to look after everything from birds to bears up here," said a smiling McFadden, who admittedly has a soft spot for dogs.

In addition to performing occasional veterinary work, the doctors have also been called upon to provide emergency dental service as well, she noted.

While they now share a practice, the duo rarely get a chance to sit down and chat. They correspond by e-mail, write pages upon pages of notes and quickly debrief the incoming physician when they cross paths at the Whitehorse airport.

"It's a very interesting setup because we share a house, we share a practice, but we never see each other," McFadden remarked with a chuckle. "It works out well except Shane keeps killing my plants."