Temporary emergency department service interruptions may be in store for the Northern Haida Gwaii Hospital in the coming months.
Northern Health says that the Masset-based facility is experiencing difficulties in recruiting both permanent and temporary nursing staff.
They are also anticipating an upcoming increase in locum physician coverage needs.
As a result, the health authority is warning of possible planned or intermittent emergency department service interruptions, particularly overnight.
But, they say they are working with local leadership to do everything in their power to prevent the closures.
That includes adding additional bed capacity at the Health Centre in Daajing Giids, and expanding transportation services between the two communities.
Haida Gwaii will also now be covered under the Northern Retention Incentive, which covers expenses such as housing and daycare for staff.
Over the next 6 months, the Authority will work with local leaders and health care workers to develop a career access and training program.
That program will identify the entry level positions most needed locally, and provide both on-the-job and classroom training close to home.
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