P.E.I. hopes doctor recruits stay

Charlottetown feted a dozen new physicians Tuesday evening, hoping the doctors recruited in the last six months will stay on Prince Edward Island.

The city and the province are hoping the new additions will easepressure on the health care system.

"We've got great hospital facilities, we need great doctors, said Charlottetown Mayor Clifford Lee.

This is really an opportunity for us as a city to say 'Welcome to our city, we're glad you'vechosen Charlottetown as your home.'

One of the doctors is psychiatrist Abayomi Otusajo, who moved from England.

"On the island or anywhere in the world, psychiatrists are always needed, he said. And I think the island is short of psychiatrists. And I said 'OK, this was my opportunity to come over here.'"

The reception is a gesture that means a lot to the doctors, according to neurologist Amanda Fiander.

"It's really great to see that we're appreciated, because we're busy seeing a lot of patients, she said. For everybody to come out and support us means that they want us to be part of the community."