Listen to this article
Estimated 3 minutes
The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.
The IWK Health Centre is leaning on colleagues at Nova Scotia Health as officials at the Halifax hospital contend with an ongoing shortage of radiologists and work through the result of a workplace assessment intended to help “rebuild” the diagnostic imaging department.
An internal memo dated Feb. 6, obtained by CBC News, announces the departure of two doctors in the IWK’s diagnostic imaging department and also that recommendations from a recent workplace assessment would be shared with team members.
“In the meantime, we will be working to establish a steering committee to oversee implementation of recommendations that will allow us to rebuild an effective, collaborative and respectful work environment where the highly important care delivery and academic mission of the diagnostic imaging team can thrive,” the memo says in part.
On Tuesday, a spokesperson for the women’s and children’s hospital said the assessment is a confidential personnel matter kept private to “foster an environment in which everyone feels comfortable to freely discuss and share information.”
‘Long-standing partnership’ with NSH
Although the Halifax-based site is funded for nine full-time equivalent radiology positions, only 3.8 FTEs are now filled.
A statement from the IWK said the shortage is being mitigated by support from members of Nova Scotia Health’s central zone radiology team “to ensure there is no disruption of clinical services.” The central zone includes the Halifax area, the Eastern Shore and West Hants.
The statement said officials are working on “next steps in recruitment and vacancy management.”
In the meantime, central zone radiologists have been providing diagnostic imaging services at the IWK, including for pediatric and adult nuclear medicine, breast imaging, interventional radiology and women’s imaging.
“This long-standing partnership has consistently ensured that staffing models appropriately support the diagnostic needs of women and children across Nova Scotia and the Maritime provinces,” a previous statement from the IWK said.
Other diagnostic imaging shortages
The hospital is also facing a shortage of medical radiation technologists, an issue that exists across the country.
The IWK has a 30 per cent vacancy rate for that position, which has contributed to some people waiting 15 months for routine mammograms.
Health Minister Michelle Thompson said last month that, along with ongoing recruitment efforts, the first double cohort of Dalhousie University’s medical radiological technology program is set to graduate next year. There are currently 26 students in the class.
MORE TOP STORIES
