Reprint of article BY JERED STUFFCO ON OCTOBER 10, 2014 FOR THE MEDICAL POST online
A doctor shortage is crippling ER facilities in eastern Manitoba, forcing staff to scramble and send patients to other hospitals.
created a lot of anxiety
CBC reports here that “at least eight of the ten hospitals in the area don’t have enough doctors.”
Ambulance drivers have also reported long trips, according to the union representing the workers.
According to Michelle Gawronsky, who is president of the Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union that represents emergency medical workers, patients should be upset.
“If I was having a heart attack, knowing that minutes count, I would be very concerned,” she said.
Meanwhile, Pinawa Mayor Blair Skinner said filling a doctor shortage is the top priority.
“It’s created a lot of anxiety, not knowing when the emergency room is going to be closed,” he said in the CBC article.
“People have considered moving away from the area because they are concerned about sustainable health care.”
