Elective surgeries at NRGH will continue to be postponed amid a staffing reshuffle from Island Health. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

BALANCING ACT

Island Health pushes back elective surgeries at NRGH as part of ‘temporary service adjustments’

Jan 18, 2022 | 6:08 PM

NANAIMO — Staffing levels are behind a planned reduction of certain services at hospitals across Vancouver Island, according to the local health authority.

A statement from Island Health issued Tuesday, Jan. 18 noted elective, scheduled surgeries would continue to be postponed at three hospitals, including Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, until at least the end of the month.

Kathy MacNeil, Island Health president and CEO, said staffing levels must be managed to ensure emergencies services continue.

“Omicron-driven COVID-19 staffing challenges significantly impact the ability of Island Health staff and medical staff to provide safe, quality care for those whom we are responsible to support.”

She said the delay for some elective procedures would have “a real impact” on those waiting longer to receive treatment.

Shorthanded

Clippers fall short hosting Bulldogs

5h ago

off the schedule

BC Ferries preemptively cancels early Saturday sailings

12h ago

firm handshake

B.C. NDP government, Greens reach 'shared priorities' agreement

15h ago

Similar steps will also take place at Victoria General and Royal Jubilee hospitals. Smaller facilities will see a resumption of the procedures as staffing levels allow.

Doctors and nurses otherwise occupied by elective surgeries and ambulatory care, which has seen a reduction of demand, are being diverted to larger acute care sites to help balance the workload.

“These are not actions we want to take, and we don’t take them lightly knowing the impact they have on those we serve,” MacNeil said.

Join the conversation. Submit your letter to NanaimoNewsNOW and be included on The Water Cooler, our letters to the editor feature.

info@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @nanaimonewsnow