Another physician is leaving Estevan, but her departure was expected.
Dr. Constance Ovueni has announced that she will be winding down her practice at the Estevan Medical Group at the end of December. The decision had been expected after her husband, Dr. Michael Ovueni, had announced earlier this year that he was leaving Estevan to practise in another community.
Greg Hoffort, the executive director at St. Joseph’s Hospital, said Dr. Constance Ovueni had been in the community for several years, and had become an important part of Estevan’s physician community.
“All of the physicians have carried a big load and continue to do so. We’re sad to see her leave and wish her well,” said Hoffort.
A new physician is expected to come to Estevan at the end of December or early January. The hospital is continuing to recruit.
Estevan is also currently without an anesthesiologist, while the physician providing obstetric services, Dr. Edward Krickan, is leaving the city at the end of next month.
Hoffort said they continue to work on solutions to those shortages, but in the meantime, those services will be covered for at least several more months through short-term locum services.
The departure of Dr. Constance Ovueni won’t result in any lost services for the hospital, either.
