P.E.I.'s long ultrasound wait raised in legislature

Long waits to have an ultrasound test were questioned by the Opposition in the P.E.I. legislature Wednesday. 

Currently, there is a backlog of 2,000 ultrasound tests waiting to be done. Opposition House Leader James Aylward said that is unacceptable.

"Does the minister think forcing sick Islanders to wait up to two years for a crucial ultrasound is proper?" said Aylward. 

Ten technologists are required to fill all the available positions. There are only 4.5 positions filled. 

Health Minister Doug Currie said there is national shortage of ultrasound technologists. But new hires are scheduled to arrive in June, September and December. 

Currie said health department staff are also working to hire a company from out of province as a short term solution.

"A two year wait time is unacceptable. That's why direction was given from my department recently to authorize the approval of a contract which is being finalized with a sonographer firm from outside the province to come to the province to address the long wait times," said Currie.