Castlegar ultrasound safe for at least a year ... but other barriers remain
By Kyra Hoggan
The looming February deadline for the removal of Castlegar’s ultrasound machine to Trail is no more …and, in fact, never existed at all, according to Interior Health’s Thalia Vesterback.
“That wasn’t our intention at all,” Vesterback said. “I think we created some of that confusion by saying we were suspending the decision to move the machine at the same time we said we’re losing an ultrasound tech in February. “We don’t have any plans to move the machine at all right now. I can’t promise forever, but at least for the next year,” she added. Vesterback, health services director of diagnostic imaging for IH, said staffing problems remain the greatest barrier to providing ultrasound services in Castlegar. “We’re losing a tech in February and another in March (both are going on extended leave), and we still have a vacant position to fill,” she said. “We’re advertising four tech positions for the region, and 14 for IHA as a whole.”
She said the focus now is on trying to recruit and retain techs – without whom, the location of the ultrasound machine is absolutely moot. “Provided staffing is available, ultrasound services will continue to be offered at the Castlegar and District Community Health Centre two days per week from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.,” said an IH press release issued this afternoon. Vesterback said IH has extended its search to include the U.S, and they’re advertising in the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Stenographers to that end. “We’re even looking at bringing in contractors to provide ultrasound services if we can’t recruit,” she said. “That’s not our desired solution, but we have to provide ultrasound services to the patients of this region.” Castlegar city councillor Kevin Chernoff, who, along with councillors Deb McIntosh and Russ Hearne, has attended almost every rally and committee meeting held over the ultrasound issue, said he thinks this is good news, but he still wants to see a meeting slated between IH and city council on Jan. 17 to move forward. “I’ll still push for the meeting, to keep a more open line of communication open,” he said.
