Fort Nelson First Nation releases letter thanking departing medical doctors

FORT NELSON, B.C. — Fort Nelson First Nation (FNFN) acknowledged the departure of two physicians in a public letter on social media.

In a letter posted on Facebook on Friday, June 26th, FNFN thanked Doctors Ioana Lupu and Francois Hattingh, who will be moving from the town “to begin a new chapter.”

They had practiced at the Airport Way Medical Clinic in Fort Nelson since relocating from Fort St. John in 2013.

According to an Alaska Highway News article published at the time, the married couple headed north because Fort St. John “no longer provided the community environment” they wanted, according to Lupu.

“I was looking for a small, tight-knit community and that’s what [Fort St. John] was when I first came,” Lupu said in the article.

The letter was issued to the public on behalf of the FNFN by community nurse Ronda Mathison for Chief Councillor Archie Harrold.

“It is never easy to say goodbye to people who have become such an important part of the community,” reads part of the letter issued to Facebook.

“Over the years, Dr.Lupu and Dr. Hattingh have dedicated themselves to caring for the people of Fort Nelson and Fort Nelson First Nation.”

It also acknowledged the couple’s two children, daughter Emma and son Daniel, by thanking them for “sharing” their parents with the community and hoping the pair “have many happy memories” of their time in the north and that Fort Nelson “holds a special place” in their hearts.

The letter states that while the community is sad to see them depart, they “are also excited for the opportunities that lie ahead” for the family.

“Your commitment, compassion and professionalism have made a lasting impact on so many individuals and families,” reads another part of the letter. 

“You have been there for some of life’s happiest moments and some of its most difficult, always providing care with kindness, respect and genuine concern.”

Lupu and Hattingh’s last day at the Airport Way Medical Clinic was Friday, June 19th. 

Energeticcity.ca has reached out to both Doctors Lupu and Hattingh for further comment.