Temporary changes to the Nelson echocardiography service
By Nelson Daily Staff
Staff vacancies and an inability of the IHA to fill the positions have forced Kootenay Lake Hospital into a situation where they are unable to provide regular echocardiography (heart ultrasound) services, the health authority announced Friday.
The Interior Health Authority said in a release that “staff leaves combined with existing staffing vacancies and lack of replacements for these positions” meant as of Feb. 1 those people requiring echocardiogram scans “as needed” would have their appointments booked in at Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital in Trail if the Nelson service was unavailable.
The IHA said they are recruiting for new technologists and, depending on staffing availability, will still try to provide service directly in Nelson.
To attempt to fulfill the Nelson obligation, the IHA will be trying to contract ultrasound services — allowing for contracted technologists to provide additional temporary service.
Temporary changes to the Castlegar ultrasound service
It was the same song for the Castlegar and District Community Health Centre on Friday as well as Interior Health announced they were unable to provide ultrasound services on a regular basis effective in the city as of Feb. 3.
Again, the IHA said, “this is due to staff leaves combined with existing staffing vacancies and lack of replacements for these positions.”
People requiring non-urgent scans will have their appointments booked in the facilities in Trail or Nelson.
Like in Nelson, the use of contract services will be pursued.
