The medical community in Kapuskasing says it’s at a breaking point and not in a position to host forest fire and flood evacuees from the far north. This, as the town is expecting evacuees within the coming weeks.
Sensenbrenner Hospital CEO France Dallaire says she doesn’t want to create panic but healthcare is in a crisis. She adds that 2,500 people don’t have a doctor and are using the emergency department, and that’s just the beginning.
“From an acute care perspective our hospital has been at over 90 per cent capacity I would think for the last year or so, Three times in the last six months we have had to reach out to our partners in Hearst and Smooth Rock.”
She adds that 17 vacant positions are being filled by nursing agencies and at any given time, the hospital is at risk of closing the Emergency Department, obstetrical services and the OR.
Dallaire says once the ER, hospice, obstetrics and surgical departments are stabilized, the hospital will have a better time frame when the town will be in a hosting position.
General Manager of Missanabi Cree First Nation Business Corporation Joe Sayers says the evacuation will proceed, and the federal government has made arrangements to provide health services within the accommodation of first nation members. He adds those who need extra medical attention will not be hosted in Kapuskasing.
