Michelle Thompson says Nova Scotia is working to address long wait times for mammograms as staffing shortages continue impacting diagnostic imaging services across the province.
Thompson was asked about reports of some patients waiting up to 15 months for mammograms following cabinet Thursday.
“We know that there are varying wait times across the province and we are certainly working very hard to address those wait times,” Thompson said.
“We know that it’s very distressing for individuals.”
The minister acknowledged Nova Scotia continues facing staffing shortages in diagnostic imaging and mammography services.
“We know there is a shortage across the country and Nova Scotia is no different,” she said.
According to Thompson, the province doubled the number of radiation technologist training seats in 2023 in an effort to grow the workforce locally.
She says the first expanded graduating class is expected in 2027, with 26 students currently enrolled.
In the meantime, the province says it continues recruiting both domestically and internationally to fill vacancies.
Thompson also pointed to ongoing work reviewing healthcare processes and booking systems to improve efficiency.
“I think looking at the processes is really important, understanding where some of the choke holds are in the system,” she said.
The minister said Nova Scotia Health and the IWK are also examining options including centralized booking systems.
When asked directly whether a 15-month wait was acceptable, Thompson acknowledged the province still has “gaps in staffing” and “real challenges” it is trying to work through.
She said officials are applying lessons learned from recruitment efforts in other parts of the healthcare system.
“What I want people to know is that the folks at IWK and Nova Scotia Health are working hard on this,” Thompson said.
The minister also encouraged people awaiting mammograms to continue checking for cancellations, saying appointment openings become available on a regular basis.
