Anesthesiologist shortage at Prince County Hospital delays surgeries
'It isn't always about fairness, it's about trying to make sure that we're dealing with the most urgent cases'
Those waiting for surgery at Prince County Hospital in Summerside, P.E.I., may have to wait a little longer — operations are being rescheduled due to a shortage of anesthesiologists.
Although government could not provide a clear picture Tuesday of current wait times for surgery at the PCH, the shortage of anesthesiologists there first made headlines in 2014 after one of three left and surgeries had to be rescheduled. The vacant position was filled last year, but in December another one of the anesthesiologists left for personal reasons.
Health Minister Robert Henderson told CBC News reporter Kerry Campbell the surgical unit has been limping along since then, doing the best it can, having some anesthesiologists from Charlottetown cover some shifts in Summerside, but that can't continue any more especially with summer vacations looming.
"What do you say to these Islanders who are facing an extra wait of over a year for surgical services under your leadership?" Opposition Leader Jamie Fox said in the P.E.I. legislature during question period Tuesday, alleging some of those waiting in Summerside have been bumped to the end of the surgical waiting list at the QEH Charlottetown.
'Beyond our control'
"We do work on a most-urgent basis," replied Henderson. "Unfortunately, there are circumstances that are beyond our control. When people that are providing medical services are unable to do so, we try to do our very best to try to provide those services whether it's on Prince Edward Island or even elsewhere."
"It isn't always about fairness, it's about trying to make sure that we're dealing with the most urgent cases as quickly as we possibly can," Henderson added.
There are also gaps in coverage for emergency surgery, and some patients at the PCH urgently requiring surgery have had to be transferred to Charlottetown.
Several doctors have been visiting the PCH with an eye to taking the vacant anesthesiologist position, and the hospital is also looking to hire locum or temporary doctors to fill in, Henderson added.
With files from Kerry Campbell