31 July 2026
Dear Patients,
I am writing to inform you of an important change to your healthcare at Spectrum.
It is with a heavy heart that I have decided to close my family practice.
This has been an extremely difficult decision. The BC government eliminated the long-standing funding model that supported my practice at Spectrum. Despite extensive negotiations with the Ministry of Health, a viable alternative could not be reached. Their proposed funding model will not allow me to sustain my practice.
It is with regret that I hereby inform you that I will be closing my practice on 31 October 2026. After that date, I will no longer be available to provide ongoing care as your primary care physician.
I understand that this news may be upsetting, particularly given the challenges many people face in finding a family physician or nurse practitioner. It is important to me that you maintain continuity of care. I am providing this notice now so that you have time to make alternate arrangements for your ongoing care.
At this time, there is no replacement physician taking over my practice. If you do not already have another primary care provider in mind, I encourage you to register with the Health Connect Registry. I have created an online health care resource guide, which provides instructions for registering and information about accessing health services after my practice closes.
Online resource guide: https://ebenn1.sg-host.com/
Until 31 October 2026, I will continue to provide care within the usual capacity of the practice. If you have an ongoing medical issue that requires attention before the practice closes, and do not already have an appointment, please contact the clinic promptly. Appointment availability may be limited, so I encourage you to begin making alternate care arrangements now.
For most routine medication renewals, an appointment is not necessary. Please submit renewal requests through your usual pharmacy in a timely manner. Your pharmacy can fax requests directly to the clinic, and they will be reviewed within the usual capacity of the practice until 31 October 2026.
Results from tests that I order before 31 October 2026 will be reviewed and acted on as appropriate. If you require ongoing bloodwork or other regular monitoring after 31 October 2026, these arrangements and any subsequent follow-up will need to be made through another physician, nurse practitioner, specialist, or other appropriate health care provider.
Your medical records will remain available through Spectrum Health after my practice closes. To request a copy, or to have your records transferred to your new physician, nurse practitioner, or clinic, please call Spectrum Health reception at 604-681-1080 or email at practiceclosure@spectrum-health.net. A signed authorization may be required before records can be released or transferred. An administrative fee may apply.
If you have an urgent medical concern, please do not wait for a routine appointment. Seek care through an Urgent and Primary Care Centre, walk-in clinic, or emergency department as appropriate. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.
I am deeply sorry for the disruption this will cause. I am grateful to you for entrusting me with your healthcare. It has been a privilege to serve as your family doctor, and I wish you all the best for the future.
Sincerely,
Dr. Eben Nel
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