Shelburne considers grant offer to Dr. Wouna Chaloner, town's only ER doctor
Chaloner usually staffs overnight shift at Roseway Hospital
Shelburne's town council has passed four motions aimed at securing money to provide a grant to their only emergency room doctor, who is threatening to permanently leave Nova Scotia.
Dr. Wouna Chaloner usually staffs the overnight shift at the emergency department of the Roseway Hospital in Shelburne. When the ER is closed due to a nursing shortage, Chaloner is sent home without pay.
She said she misses out on $40,000 per year.
Chaloner is currently in Manitoba working a separate contract for a few weeks, as she considers whether she will return to Nova Scotia.
The town of Shelburne passed four motions on Thursday night, each aimed at securing a financial incentive for Chaloner. The town's chief administrative officer, Dylan Heide, said the four motions are:
- Seek information on whether the town has authority to offer a grant.
- Ask the Roseway Hospital Charitable Foundation if they would provide a grant.
- Invite the provincial Minister of Health and deputy minister to meet with council.
- Write a letter to Chaloner thanking her for her efforts in the community.
The town hopes to have responses to most of the motions within the next week. The next council meeting is Wednesday night, and they're hoping to be able to decide whether they have the authorization and resources to offer an incentive.
Earlier this week, the Municipality of the District of Shelburne voted against providing a $15,000 incentive to the doctor.
Representatives from both councils noted their apprehension with offering funding for services that are usually the responsibility of the province.
The ER was closed on Friday and will reopen Saturday between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. It was also be open Oct. 5 at 8 a.m.
A Nova Scotia Health Authority spokesperson said any other closures in the immediate future won't be announced until physician availability is confirmed.