Can Buckingham’s Co-op Santé inspire Aylmer?

The Aylmer Health Co-op is facing difficulties. The management has called for proposals to revive the co-op, which lost all its doctors last December.

Despite the Aylmer Co-op’s struggles and the Gatineau Health Co-op’s closing, the co-op model is not outdated, argues François Langlois, former Co-op Santé Basse-Lièvre doctor and founding member of his co-op.

According to Dr Langlois, the Co-op Santé Basse-Lièvre in Buckingham is a shining example. “We have proven the co-op model can work. Even those who don’t have a family doctor can have a family clinic since [members] can come to the clinic and be seen even without a family doctor,” said Langlois.

Co-op members have access to a walk-in clinic strictly for medical assistance seven days per week. The 30 doctors from the local GMF (Groupe de Médecine Familiale) are providing the service.

“In 1979, when I arrived in the region, I joined a medical clinic which had six doctors. As older doctors left, those who stayed bought their shares. We ended up  three doctors. We were responsible for the clinic; then one of the three decided to leave. The suggestion (to us) was to start a co-op to keep the clinic running or else it would close,” explained Langlois.

“We solicited our clientele, many of whom were retirees. We found generous and resourceful volunteers. The local Caisse Populaire got involved because they promote the co-op movement. They invested funds for a feasibility study,” continued Langlois. “We welcomed the co-op as it eased the job of running the clinic. This format worked well and it was easy to recruit new doctors.”

Taking over the clinic at 620 Buckingham Avenue in the summer of 2012, six doctors, a clinical nurse-specialist, and various complementary services are added to the Health Co-op. According to its president, Carl Yank, more than 6,000 people have found a doctor here.

By the end of 2014, 18 doctors and a clinical nurse-specialist joined the group and, in early 2015, the co-op welcomed Dr Marinela Mandra as their 19th physician.

Like the Aylmer Health Co-op, the Basse-Lièvre Co-op is run by a board of directors. Two doctors sit on the board, which Langlois believes is important for the clinic’s effective operation.

“They can talk about the day-to-day operations,” said Langlois, a former board administrator.

According to President Yank, the Co-op’s success is thanks to several things.  “We have an admirable collaboration with the community. We also had a fine recruitment of doctors,” explained Yank. “We have good revenue from doctors who pay rent, and we are controlling expenses and properly managing the business.” The co-op also has 1,900 members who each contribute $25 a year in membership fees.