Hay River Regional Hospital's emergency room's required long-distance assistance to help ease a staffing shortage is expected to be over as of Aug. 1.
"While physician coverage is limited, virtual physician support and nursing staff will continue to provide care to patients in need," reads a July 25 notice from Hay River Health and Social Services Authority (HRHSSA). "No closures are planned at this time. However, residents are asked to be mindful that wait times may vary depending on physician availability and patient volumes.
"Virtual physicians are licensed healthcare professionals who provide care remotely, including assessments, prescriptions and follow-up care. They work closely with on-site staff to ensure continuity of care."
Residents are advised that waiting times may be longer than usual due to the change in service delivery. This is the second time the emergency room has needed to rely on virtual care this year SA国际影视传媒� both the emergency room and the outpatient department were without an on-site doctor for an entire week in April.
Last week, Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority (NTHSSA) announced a "shift bidding" regime among locum physicians had avoided a projected shortfall at Stanton Territorial Hospital in Yellowknife. Under that system, doctors can essentially name their price for a given shift and then submit the offer to NTHSSA to approve or deny. The initial trial of that program is expected to operate until Sept. 2.
But in Hay River, the projected shortage is expected to clear up in August. Residents are encouraged to continue to access medical services as needed and are reminded to phone 811 for non-emergency medical advice. Emergency calls can be directed to 911.
"Despite the reduced staffing, the clinic remains open and committed to meeting the healthcare needs of the community," states the HRHSSA's July 25 notice. "HRHSSA appreciates the communitySA国际影视传媒檚 patience and the dedication of our healthcare teams during this period of reduced staffing. We remain committed to providing safe, timely and effective care to all residents."
