Access to Vernon walk-in clinics is getting even slimmer.
Just as the community received news that the Vernon Family Doctors Walk In Clinic is closing its doors in March, another one has been forced to slash its hours.
The Gartree Medical Clinic, in the Vernon Square mall, has reduced its weekday hours from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. to closing its doors early at 1 p.m. It remains open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
“One of our doctors left so we’re down to just two doctors now,” said Dr. Tim Bintley, who operates the clinic with Dr. William Fair.
The two have split up the work schedule and have also let go one of the administrative staff members due to the schedule changes.
With one doctor working each day, they stay until they’ve reached the 50-patient mark, which is what they get paid for, according to Bintley.
“Our hours vary,” he said, after working until 3:30 p.m. one day and finishing earlier on another.
The Gartree Clinic has been recruiting, and has sent notices to the doctors at the clinic which is closing in March.
Bintley isn’t sure why Gartree hasn’t been able to attract anyone, as he claims that there is not a doctor shortage. Instead, he says there is a lack of doctors who are willing to work at walk-ins.