There was fear earlier this month after the Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA) se nt letters to expectant mothers in Yarmouth saying there could be times, beyond the end of May, when some women may have to travel to a different hospital to give birth.
While that situation remains tentative, a new anaesthesiologist will begin practicing from the Yarmouth Regional Hospital this week.
The doctor is from Libya and his arrival has been delayed by lots of red tape.
The process to get him here was a major collaborative effort among all three levels of government, the Western REN the NSHA and the Yarmouth and Area Chamber of Commerce.
President Angie Greene says for the Chamber, the most important group are Yarmouth’s doctors.
“They’re our greatest asset. They are an amazing group. They’re willing to mentor, teach and collaborate. not every community has that.”
Greene says the Chamber has received confirmation of funding from the province and Doctors NS to support recruitment initiatives they’ve already put forward.
“We’ve also asked for funding for a full time position, employed by the Chamber, to focus entirely on Yarmouth.
Greene says they’ve also received some positive feedback from the Atlantic Chamber in regards to initiatives into tax cuts and incentives for physicians.
Expectant mothers in Yarmouth were hand-delivered a letter from the Health Authority saying there could be times, beyond the end of May, when some women may have to travel to a different hospital to give birth.
In an update issued today, the NSHA says coverage is secured until at least May 31 and locums are being scheduled into June, July and August.
Yarmouth has lost 3 of its 4 anaesthesiologists.
(CJLS News photo)
Story by Gary Nickerson
nickerson.gary@radioabl.ca
