HomeMy Public PortalAbout2020-12-21_MR_Physcian Recruitment Program_FINAL
MEDIA RELEASE
MUNICIPALITY OF CHESTER – The Municipality of Chester (MOC) made an important stride in its
overall Economic Development Strategy this week. As part of a broader attraction mandate,
Municipal Staff, in partnership with Our Health Centre and supported by Communities, Culture
and Heritage Nova Scotia presented Chester Municipal Council with key developments in a
collaborative physician attraction and retention program.
The program, branded Love Where You Work, represents the shared goal to improve health
services throughout the Municipality, supporting quality of life and economic development in
local communities and surrounding areas.
“The attraction and retention of professional staff to a community is critical if it is to remain
vibrant and self-sufficient and to sustain itself into the future,” reported Heather Hennigar,
MOC’s Community Economic Development Officer.
The program will position the Municipality as a welcoming community - a critical first step in a
retention strategy. Facilitating networking opportunities with local health professionals, offering
free tours around the community, and inviting these individuals to social events are some
examples of activities that a community can do to make health professionals feel welcome.
A key element of the program is an online presence that showcases the lifestyle and assets of the
Municipality. Local web developer, Picnic Studios, created www.lovewhereuwork.com as a
virtual hello for prospective physicians. The website places Municipality of Chester as an ideal
location for working professionals. It has the comfort and convenience of rural living, where
residents enjoy a sense of close-knit community, within convenient proximity to major centres,
healthcare, schools, childcare, and green spaces. Amenities, such as shops, restaurants, trails,
cultural venues, and community centres only add to the appeal.
The site will be cross-promoted on other professional websites, such as Nova Scotia More Than
Medicine - an initiative of NS Health - and on social media platforms, such as LinkedIn. A
marketing campaign directing prospects to the website is estimated to start early January 2021.
DATE: December 21, 2020
SUBJECT: PHYSICIAN RECRUITMENT PROGRAM
LAUNCHES IN CHESTER
STATUS: PUBLIC –FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2 Media Release/Physician Attraction Program Takes Off
Other aspects of the project will feature development of pre- and post-visit promotional
materials, training and support of volunteer Community Champions for recruitment tours,
ongoing retention efforts, and success planning through relationship building.
Allen Webber, Warden for the Municipality, says, “Recognizing that the recruitment and
retention of physicians in rural Nova Scotia is an ongoing challenge affecting all residents, we are
driven to have this program succeed.” He adds, “The proposal is well thought out, strategic, and
sensitive to the needs of healthcare professionals and their families as well as focused on building
relationships.”
The Culture Innovative Fund’s Healthy Communities stream administered by Communities,
Culture and Heritage Nova Scotia contributed $25,000 towards this project. The Municipality of
Chester funded $5,000, and $10,000 in-kind donations were made by the Municipality and Our
Health Centre.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Allen Webber, Warden
Municipality of Chester
Desk 902-275-4145
Cell 902-275-8373
awebber@chester.ca
Heather Hennigar, Community Economic Development Officer
Municipality of Chester
Desk 902-275-4161
Cell 902-277-1297
hhennigar@chester.ca
Lorraine Burch, General Manager
Our Health Centre
Phone 902-245-3847