'It's not working': Concern growing over closure of rural emergency department
Concerns are being raised about the hospital in Eriksdale, Man. as the emergency department is currently closed due to a staff shortage of doctors.
Keith Lundale is the president of the Eriksdale Chamber of Commerce and said, two years ago, E.M. Crowe Hospital had four doctors and they were able to function that way.
Now, there is one full-time doctor and one half-time and no lab or x-ray techs.
Lundale said he understands there are some shortcomings when living in rural communities, such as limited restaurant selections or not having a mall, but the people of Eriksdale did not sign up for this.
"We didn't choose the fact that our health care would diminish to the point where our existence in rural (Manitoba) is now questionable. Where, do we really want to stay in rural (Manitoba)?" said Lundale.
He noted there are postings for the technician jobs but said they need to have the ability to do both lab work and x-ray work, which has made finding people difficult.
"We do have a medical personnel shortage, but the thing is, there doesn't seem to be a plan."
Lundale is also part of an advocacy group focused on the well-being of the hospital and said a rally is planned for next week to bring attention to the concerns that residents have expressed.
He is hoping a demonstration like this could lead to conversations to create change.
"I think sometimes the solutions are grassroots. You know, you can bring all the consultants in the world, but unless you understand the demographics of the area, you can put a hospital here, but does it serve the needs for everybody," he said. "The fact is, it hasn't worked and it's not working."
While it appears the emergency department will be closed for December, the Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority said that will change in the new year.
In an emailed statement to CTV News, CEO Marion Ellis said diagnostic staff from Ashern had been helping with outpatient lab services in Eriksdale but that stopped due to staff medical and compassion leaves.
"Emergency department care requires immediate access to diagnostic services. Currently, without this immediate access, we are unable to provide care in Eriksdale's emergency department," Ellis said in the statement.
"We expect that outpatient diagnostic services and the emergency department in Eriksdale will resume operation in January, once two newly trained laboratory assistants begin working at the site. These staff, who already work at Eriksdale Hospital, are currently being trained at the lab in Ashern."
As for dealing with this problem in the future, Ellis said 40 people in the Interlake area have shown interest in being trained as medical lab assistants and training will start in February in Arborg.
"Once training of these individuals is complete, Shared Health will have a broader pool of qualified individuals to draw upon to support diagnostic services in the region."
In terms of the rally for the hospital, Lundale said it will be held at noon on Dec. 13 at the rec centre.
He said he is expecting political figures as well as health officials to speak at the event.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
Man convicted of involuntary manslaughter in father's drowning, told police he was baptizing him
A Massachusetts man who told police he was exorcising a demon and performing a baptism when he shoved his father's head under water multiple times has been convicted of involuntary manslaughter in his death.
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Are Canadians getting sick from expired food?
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.