The Pimicikamak First Nation, also called the community cross the lake, is not the only one in this situation, according to a spokesman for Indigenous Services Canada (ISC). The community of Bloodvein is also affected by the lack of medical staff.
The Ministry is working to keep all nursing stations operational during the holidays
he explains.
According to Indigenous Services Canada, the care crisis is affecting not only remote and isolated Indigenous communities, but the entire healthcare system in the country.
That BAG are making the difficult decision to reduce the capacity of some nursing homes in Manitoba communities that have access to other health resources. This will allow other posts in more remote and air-accessible communities to maintain their care services.
Bloodvein First Nation, 170 miles north of Winnipeg, will have limited services December 22-29. Patients who present are referred to other healthcare facilities.
The situation in Pimicikamak is said to be critical from December 19 to January 2. However, the nursing station remains open for basic care. According to the ministry spokesman, patients will be referred to other healthcare professionals in the community if necessary.
We only have three nurses at the moment when we should have 16
explains the leader of this community of 8,500 inhabitants, David Monias.
Mr. Monias says patients must first call the staff to determine whether or not to come into the nursing ward.
” The nurses are tired, overworked. They cannot properly conduct medical examinations. It puts many people at risk. »
They work 24 hours a day, seven days a week and also need to sleep. I have the feeling that they are implementing measures that are doomed to fail
‘ said the boss.
According to David Monias, the government cannot wait for someone to die before taking further action to address the shortage of health workers in indigenous communities.
The sisters come and go for a while. The government should allow us to self-recruit and train people in our community who don’t want to leave.
wishes Mr. Monias.
CBC had access to a memo from BAG for First Nations and nursing stations throughout the province.
According to the memo, 17 of the province’s 21 nursing stations are manned by just two vacationing nurses or a combination of healthcare professionals.
With information from Erin Brohman
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