Doctor concerned over staffing shortages in rural hospitals
Posted May 27, 2022 03:35:00 PM.
A family and emergency department physician in Perth is warning health-care in the rural areas will be severely impacted due to ongoing staffing shortages.
Dr. Alan Drummond, who also serves as the co-chair of the public affairs committee of the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians told The Rob Snow Show on Friday, May 27 that over the past year across the country, nursing shortages have started to affect health-care delivery in the rural areas, and it is more than just an issue related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Drummond said it's a number of factors, including the failure to address crowding in hospitals, an increase in violence and abuse towards emergency hospital staff and the complete lack of respect from hospital administrations and government officials.
“The core of any emergency department are the nurses,” said Dr. Drummond. “They are an exhausted and demoralized workforce and many of them are starting to question their careers.”
Dr. Drummond noted that the summer months are a busy time for hospitals in the rural regions, with many visiting to enjoy cottage country and the sights and sounds of areas outside the city of Ottawa.
“I don't know what's going to happen, but I am quite concerned,” he added.
Listen to the full interview with Dr. Alan Drummond below:
