A shortage of diagnostic imaging professionals is impacting patients in Kirkland Lake, says Blanche River Health.
The organization took to its Facebook page on Nov. 28 to announce patients with more urgent cases are being prioritized as they continue their recruitment efforts to address the issue.
Pam Gregoire, manager of diagnostic imaging at Blanche River Health, said they’re currently offering x-rays, ultrasounds, mammography, bone density, CT scans and echocardiograms. No services are discontinued despite the shortage.
Gregoire said all diagnostic imaging services continue to be available at the Kirkland Lake site.
“But we want to be transparent about the wait times for routine ultrasound, which is between six and seven months,” she said.
“Patients with urgent needs for ultrasound continue to be prioritized, and in some cases, patients from the Kirkland Lake site receive services at our Englehart site, located 30 minutes away. Wait times for the other diagnostic imaging services are not impacted.”
There are currently three vacancies, Gregoire said. One permanent part-time position, one temporary full-time position and one temporary part-time position.
Gregoire said their regular recruitment efforts include postings to the Blanche River Health website, employment agencies in Kirkland Lake, New Liskeard and Timmins, Indeed and applicable governing bodies’ websites, for example.
“We also actively attend career fairs at colleges and universities across Ontario, including schools that offer the relevant diagnostic imaging programs; Cambrian College, McMaster University, Michener Institute,” she said.
Gregoire added that they also provide support through the immigration process.
“We have successfully utilized the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot program and have been approved for three Labour Market Impact Assessment applications,” she said.
“We also offer a signing bonus, housing allowance, relocation package, reimbursement of one year’s registration fees with applicable governing body, one year free membership to the local multi-cultural group, staff support with immigration process and settlement needs.”
For more information, visit https://www.blancheriverhealth.ca/about-us/current-opportunities.
