A provincial issue with medical staff shortages may result in some temporary emergency service interruptions for Haida Gwaii, but Northern Health says they are working to mitigate the impact. 

Northern Haida Gwaii Hospital in Masset has been facing challenges in recruiting and retaining staff. 

Northwest Chief Operating Officer for Northern Health Ciro Panessa says that because there were already low staff numbers at the remote hospital, there is less of a “buffer zone” before a service interruption may be faced. 

Panessa said that when figuring out a possible temporary closure, they work to mitigate the impact on the community by closing the emergency room when, historically, there are fewer patients. Even if the emergency room faces temporary interruptions, the hospital will remain open 24/7 for long-term care patients and there are no plans for permanent closures or reductions of services. 

They’ll also expand bed counts at the Haida Gwaii Hospital in Daajing Giids and ensure transportation is available between the two for both patients and family members. 

On Feb. 3, Northern Health announced that Haida Gwaii is now covered under the Northern Retention Incentive. Through that program, the health authority will work with community partners to provide more accommodations for healthcare workers who move to the island like daycare and housing. 

But currently, Northern Health is working on utilizing travelling nurses in the community while they work on more long-term solutions. 

Over the next six months, the team will also work to develop a career access and training program for residents of the island who want to pursue a career in healthcare and may face roadblocks. 

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