The Red Lake Margaret Cochenour Memorial Hospital is facing a severe physician staffing shortage, particularly in the Emergency Department.
President and Chief Executive Officer Sue Lebeau admits this is a concern that will span the summer.
“It’s looking a little bit better for July than it was looking two weeks ago. However, we still have a number of shifts right now that are not covered and so if those are not covered that will require an Emergency Department closure.”
Lebeau adds, “August is looking particularly challenging. So we do have some concerns there and not any immediate solutions.”
The hospital had to close its ER for 24 hours back in March because of staff shortages.
Lebeau says, “We are recruiting for physicians. We have an unfilled physician line. We have physicians that are exhausted across Ontario due to the pandemic and the extra work that has entailed. It is tough to recruit for physicians in smaller communities as well because of the travel requirements and so forth. And we have physicians who are trying to maintain a good quality of life and stay healthy and well so that they can take care of the patients. So there’s a number of challenges behind it. ”
She adds the shortage is taking a toll on the community: