Dr. David Blecher leaving Kincardine at end of June

Kincardine is losing one of the five doctors who began working here in 2016.

Dr. David Blecher took over the practice of Dr. Michael Emond who retired in November of 2016.

A press release, issued Wednesday by the Kincardine Family Health Team, states that Blecher is closing his medical practice, effective June 30.

“The practice closure was a difficult personal decision and Dr. Blecher has asked us to express his appreciation for the understanding of his patients, the municipality, the supportive and welcoming community, as well as his respective clinic staff.”

The health team states it understands the closure will result in inconvenience and stress but there is no plan to initiate an orphan clinic.

“We are proactively working to address patients' concerns,” states the press release.

This may include:
 

• Affected patients will receive a letter indicating and/or suggesting next steps
• Affected patients may be assigned to a remaining physician at the clinic until a replacement doctor is recruited – please note: patient assignments are temporary and re-assignments will not be provided
• The Emergency Room (ER) Division Protocol, established in collaboration with the South Bruce Grey Health Centre (Kincardine hospital site) to divert lesser-acuity patients away from the ER to the Family Health Team nurse practitioner clinic, remains activated

“Letters have been mailed out to patients of Dr. Blecher, notifying them of this closure,” states the release. “Thank you for your understanding and patience as we transition through this process.

“Further updates and announcements will be communicated locally through the media and the patient information line at 519-396-4300.”