NL Health Services is “pulling out all the stops” in its efforts to recruit nurses and physicians, but serious challenges remain.
CEO Ron Johnson says some 300 nursing positions are still vacant but the health authority has seen success in recruiting local nursing graduates.
“Last year I think we got 95 per cent of them, in that range – close to 300 people, we’re hoping to get that percentage again this year. We have international recruitment strategies; we’re pulling out all stops.”
Health care recruitment is a top priority says Johnson. The inability to staff the new urgent care clinic in Mount Pearl is what has prevented it from opening for its intended purpose.
“We’re still continuing to struggle with recruitment and retention in targeted areas like physicians in particular areas….we’re still trying.
“We’re competing in an international marketplace,” says Johnson. “There’s only so much capacity in the province, but we’re focused on it. We’re going to try our hardest to get that place open.”
The building is currently being used as a newcomer walk-in clinic.
