Latest News
Health Care Resources Extremely Strained
Over the past 2 years, numerous emergency rooms have temporarily shut down due to lack of physicians and nurses across Ontario and Canada. This has become an ongoing struggle, particularly in rural and remote areas, to recruit and retain qualified health care professionals willing to work. You may be aware that exceptionally, Barry's Bay ER has yet to shut down despite being run by only 4 local physicians who have been covering all unfilled shifts on 24/7 basis. We are dedicated to keeping the most vital service open, to serve you when you develop an urgent or emergent health issue that cannot wait. Should we close, you will have to drive to Bancroft, Pembroke or Huntsville to access care.
For the last two years, I have routinely worked more than 100 hours each week, and sometimes up to 140 hours, when I would spend he entire week living in the hospital and clinic. We recognize that it has been more difficult for patients to get timely office appointments as we are presently booking a few weeks in advance. I have done my best not to cancel any appointments. However, the occasional rude comment towards my staff will not help solve the national health care crisis and only serves to further burn out hardworking frontline staff. We ask for your patience and understanding on this matter as all clinics in Barry's Bay are booking weeks in advance. I anticipate things will improve later in the fall as we get caught up.
Clinic Hours
As usual, phones are answered on Monday to Thursday 9am - 5pm, except holidays (613-775-0234 OR 613-912-4141 - both leads to the office). Dr. Chen is also on duty for several shifts a week in the Emergency Department. For any emergencies that require urgent care, please go to the emergency room.
Updated July 23rd, 2023
The Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Looking for a family doctor?
Due to the volume of requests we have already received, we cannot guarantee we will be able to provide care for everyone on our waiting list. Please rest assured that we are doing our best to provide quality care to as many families as we can and actively recruiting new doctors to the area. Please feel free to read through our clinic policies and submit a new patient request form online.
Our Services
Family Medicine
We take pride in providing comprehensive, evidence-based care to all our patients with a emphasis on healthy lifestyles, prevention of illnesses and optimizing your health.
Urgent Care
We offer a limited number of same day appointments each clinic day. These appointments are reserved for acute illness that benefit from urgent medical attention.
Emergency Room Coverage
Dr. Chen also provides 2-3 shifts per week of Emergency Department coverage at St. Francis Memorial Hospital. Should you require emergent medical attention, please proceed to the ER.
Hospital Admissions
Should an illness require admission to the medical unit at St. Francis Memorial Hospital, your family doctor will attend to your care during your stay.
Non-insured Services
On your request, we may offer some additional services and procedures that are not insured by OHIP. Please refer to the standardized Ontario Medical Association fee schedule.