A lack of qualified technicians to maintain service levels has forced a temporary closure of the X-ray unit in Fort Smith.
The NWT Health and Social Services Authority released an announcement shortly before noon on Tueday stating that the service gap will run from 3:30 p.m. June 3 to 8 p.m. on June 6.
"This service reduction is due to a lack of available X-ray technologists in the community during this time," reads the announcement. "The NTHSSA continues efforts to find qualified staff to fill these positions and will update the public of any changes to service levels as they become available.
"During this period, clients in need of routine or non-urgent X-ray services may choose to travel to Hay River for care. For any urgent or emergency X-ray needs, medical travel support will be available to ensure timely access to necessary services."
Staffing issues continue to hamper health care delivery in the NWT. Stanton Territorial Hospital's emergency room was without a doctor for much of May and Hay River also was unable to staff a doctor in its ER at the end of April. Obstetrics units in Inuvik have also closed on several occasions in the last two years.
