Although a new walk-in clinic opened at City Med Pharmacy a few weeks ago, it only arrived after another doctor — a former tenant — unexpectedly left the pharmacy.
On Dec. 13, Dr. R. Sheth sent an email to his patients claiming his clinic, Forest Walk-In Clinic, had been forced out of the Colborne Street pharmacy.
“The pharmacy in which we operate was purchased by a Barrie pharmacist four months ago, and he effectively asked us to leave by Dec. 16, 2024,” stated the email. “We were informed of this on Dec. 8, 2024 and therefore were not able to provide you with more notice.”
“We sincerely apologize but this was a decision solely made by the new pharmacist.”
In his email, Sheth said his goal was to build a “rapid and convenient walk-in clinic in Orillia” to improve non-emergency care in the area.
Now, Forest Walk-In Clinic’s website said it has temporarily relocated to Brechin.
When asked about Dr. Sheth’s departure, however, City Med Pharmacy’s ownership strongly contested the story told by the former tenant.
“They sent their email saying that we forced him out. Now, honestly, I'm thinking seriously of suing him for defamation. We didn't force anyone,” said pharmacy co-owner Mohammed El-Shishtawy.
El-Shishtawy said Sheth primarily offered virtual services four days per week out of the pharmacy; he wanted to offer a physical doctor at the pharmacy for patients.
“We saw the situation. We have many clinics, including the one in Barrie — the Grove Street Walk-In Clinic,” he said. “It's a busy one, so we mentioned to the doctor that we want to increase the service. We feel like Orillia is underserved.”
“The situation was that you need to make an appointment, and after you come, you wait and see the doctor.”
The pharmacy asked Dr. Sheth if they could also offer a face-to-face doctor, with the goal of providing day-to-day non-emergency care, but “the doctor refused,” El-Shishtawy said.
They then asked whether they could offer a walk-in clinic on days Sheth was not working, but Sheth did not answer, El-Shishtawy said.
“It's very difficult if you have an ailment, such as sore throat, to book an appointment for next week or to go to the emergency, so we asked the doctor, ‘OK, so what's the situation now?’ He didn't answer,” he said.
El-Shishtawy said the pharmacy moved forward with its plans to bring in a doctor who would see patients in person, and informed Sheth the pharmacy would need one room cleared for the new clinic.
He showed OrilliaMatters multiple text messages to Sheth, asking about how Sheth would like to proceed, or how to offer both clinics out of the pharmacy, which went unanswered.
Ultimately, El-Shishtawy said he informed Sheth the pharmacy will begin a day-to-day walk-in clinic on Dec. 19, and received a reply that a room would be cleared.
“All of a sudden, out of the blue, the doctor left, grabbed everything, the equipment that was in the clinic and left,” he said.
The situation has been frustrating for El-Shishtawy, who reached out to discuss the situation numerous times, adding that Sheth was also permitted to use the space free of charge.
“I reached out multiple times, and even I want him to stay with me,” he said. “We offered him the space without rent, and he didn't pay for the utilities, so it was completely free.”
He said he would be open to Sheth coming back to the pharmacy, as well.
“Honestly, if he wants to come back, I have no issues,” he said. “That would be good if he wants to come back and join the team. I have a room empty.”
Now, however, City Med Pharmacy offers a true walk-in clinic, seven days per week, with two doctors — including one specialist — on staff. El-Shishtawy said he got the idea for the walk-in clinic from Orillia patients who were previously travelling to his other walk-in clinic in Barrie.
While it’s been a frustrating journey to this point, El-Shishtawy said the situation is “way better” for clients.
“Instead of having a virtual doctor, we have now two present doctors. Instead of opening only four days, we have a clinic that's open seven days a week,” he said. “It’s no appointment. Just walk-in.”
Sheth did not respond to requests for comment on this article.
