Desperate Wait: Hundreds Line Up Outside Kingston Clinic in Search of Family Doctors

In a heart-wrenching display of the ongoing doctor shortage, hundreds of people braved the cold and rain, forming serpentine lines outside the CDK Family Medicine and Walk-In Clinic on Sutherland Drive. Their desperate mission? To secure a family physician—a lifeline to essential healthcare.

The scene unfolded over several days, with prospective patients lining up overnight, their determination unwavering. Kingston’s doctor shortage has left tens of thousands of residents without a primary care provider. The situation became even more dire when six doctors retired last May, adding over 8,000 people to the waiting list. The need for accessible healthcare is palpable, and the community’s frustration is mounting.

In a glimmer of hope, the CDK Family Medicine clinic announced that four doctors would begin accepting new patients in March. The response was overwhelming, with lines stretching for blocks during the first “rostering day.” However, some prospective patients were caught off guard when the clinic limited intake to the first 100 people in line.

As the rain-soaked queue persisted, the collective cry for better healthcare echoed through the streets. Kingston deserves more than desperate lines—it deserves a robust healthcare system that prioritizes its citizens’ well-being.

While the clinic’s efforts are commendable, it’s clear that systemic changes are needed. As we witness this poignant scene, let us advocate for policies that ensure timely access to medical professionals. Because in the heart of every person standing in that line lies a story—a story of hope, resilience, and the urgent need for a family doctor.