Clinic News & Announcements
June 17, 2022
Update for Patients of Dr. Ken Dueck
Dear Patient:
I am writing to provide an update regarding my health and what this means for your medical care.
As you are likely aware, nearly three years ago I was struck head-on by a car while riding my motorcycle. By the grace of God, I survived, however in addition to my physical injuries I also sustained a significant concussion with a small bleed in my brain due to the impact. As a result, I was placed on medical leave for several months. Subsequently, I have attempted a return to work with much effort and ongoing rehabilitation therapy. I have continued to work in clinical practice at a much-reduced workload since that time.
Unfortunately, it has become clear that my recovery has not progressed as hoped and I continue to have substantial symptoms that interfere with my ability to provide the level of medical care to my patients that I desire, and which you deserve. While these limitations affect all my various areas of work, this is particularly the case for my work as a full-service family practice physician.
Given this reality, and after extensive consultation with my personal physician, rehabilitation therapy team, and clinic colleagues, I have made the very difficult decision to leave my clinic practice at Gateway Healthcare indefinitely. As a result, I am no longer able to serve as your family physician.
If you currently have access to move your care to a new family physician outside of Gateway, you are also welcome to do so, however, Gateway Healthcare is actively recruiting both locum (temporary) and more permanent family physicians to our practice to assume your care. We will do our best, but as you may be aware, there is a critical shortage of physicians. In the interim, the physicians at Gateway have agreed to provide you care as they are able but as clinic appointments are currently in short supply, we appreciate your patience.
Over my career, spanning more than three decades, my clinic practice has been at the core of my professional life. For the past 15 years that has been at Gateway Healthcare. I have poured myself into the work and the people that I love dearly. Over the years so many of you have become not just patients, but also friends. It has been my greatest honour to be your family physician and I will sincerely miss our visits together.
Blessings on you all,
Dr. Ken Dueck
March 31, 2022
Update for Patients of Dr. Aman Haji
Dr. Haji will be closing his Family Practice in the coming months as he will be moving away from Abbotsford. He has enjoyed serving you as your Family Physician during his time at Gateway Healthcare.
In Dr. Haji’s absence, the physician group at the clinic will continue to do their best to accommodate your care with the additional help of locums and family medicine resident physicians. If you were a former patient of a Family Physician at the clinic and were transferred to Dr. Haji, you will not be able to return to that Physician. Likewise, if a family member sees another Physician at the clinic, you will not be able to transfer your care to them as they are all at full capacity.
Instead, we are actively recruiting for a full-time replacement doctor and have identified potential candidates. In the interim, there may be times when you will be directed to a walk-in clinic (www.medimap.ca) if we simply do not have any appointments available.
Our ability to accommodate all of Dr. Haji’s patients in the long run is dependent upon our ability to successfully recruit a permanent full-time physician. If a family member has a non-Gateway physician who is willing to take over your care, now would be a good time to transfer to them.
If you live in Abbotsford, you can call the Division of Family Practice, 604-746-3302, to get the name of a Family Physician that is accepting new patients. If you live outside of Abbotsford, you can look up the Division of Family Practice in your community to inquire about Physicians accepting new patients.
Due to the high volume of calls if you have any questions or concerns, please do not call the office but instead email: info@gatewayhealth.ca. Your understanding and patience are appreciated.
Thank you.