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Mills Memorial Hospital facing ‘significant challenges’ with diagnostic imaging staffing

Some patients may need to be transferred to other facilities
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According to a Dec. 8 Northern Health media release, Mills Memorial Hospital is currently experiencing a shortage of staff in its diagnostic imaging department. (Black Press Media file photo)

Northern Health and Mills Memorial Hospital in Terrace are working to address what it calls “significant challenges” with staffing in the hospital’s diagnostic imaging department.

The issues are primarily affecting CT scanner operations, according to a Dec. 8 Northern Health media release.

The health authority said it is aggressively recruiting to fill vacant positions and working with other Northern Health facilities to find temporary coverage.

“It’s a variety of factors; staff turnover and coverage challenges can be the result of everything from retirements, resignations, and unexpected medical leaves, to the need for staff to take planned vacations,” said Eryn Collins, spokesperson for Northern Health, in an email.

The staffing shortage may cause delays, and patients with urgent diagnostic needs will be transferred to another facility.

People with less urgent care needs are being asked by Northern Health to avoid visiting the emergency department to reduce pressure on the department and instead visit a primary care physician during regular business hours or contact the NH virtual clinic.