The Yukon is grappling with a severe shortage of health care workers, with the demand for services surpassing the capacity of the current workforce. Dr. Kevin McLeod, an internal medicine specialist working in Yukon and Vancouver, highlights the pressing challenges and proposes innovative solutions to enhance the delivery of health care services in the region.
Dr. McLeod describes the current situation as “exceedingly challenging,” with the Yukon Hospital Corporation facing service delays and room appointment reductions due to staffing shortages. Despite these challenges, Dr. McLeod suggests that the problem may not solely be a lack of funding but rather a need for creative approaches to address the growing demand for health care services.
Dr. McLeod advocates for exploring new roles for health care professionals, specifically emphasizing the potential contributions of nurse practitioners and physician assistants. He believes that delegating certain tasks to these professionals could significantly alleviate the strain on physicians and enhance the overall capacity of the health care system.
While acknowledging the current absence of practicing physician assistants in Yukon, Dr. McLeod sees this as an opportunity for experimentation. He proposes that attaching physician assistants to physicians could extend their capacity, allowing for a more efficient distribution of tasks. Additionally, he advocates for expanding the scope of practice for nurse practitioners, emphasizing the need to think “outside of the box” to address the workforce shortage.
Dr. McLeod envisions a more team-based approach to health care delivery, emphasizing the strengths and expertise of different professionals. He acknowledges that certain tasks can be performed more effectively by nurse practitioners or physician assistants, contributing to a more efficient and patient-focused system.
Global Recruitment, Immigration, and Settlement Services:
Directpath Canada recognizes the urgent need for a robust and sustainable health care workforce in Yukon. As a leader in global recruitment, immigration, and settlement services, Directpath Canada offers tailored solutions to address the challenges faced by the health care sector. Our expertise in recruiting qualified professionals globally, navigating immigration processes, and facilitating seamless settlement services positions us as a valuable partner in overcoming workforce shortages.
The shortage of health care workers is evident in the numerous job vacancies across Yukon hospitals. The Yukon Hospital Corporation is actively advertising 56 positions, with nursing roles comprising nearly half of the available positions. The report highlights the challenges of maintaining adequate coverage, citing leave, sick times, and the importance of avoiding burnout as key considerations.
Dr. Alex Kmet, president of the Yukon Medical Association, describes the health human resource crisis as “really complicated,” emphasizing the challenges of bidding for incentives and attracting talent. He notes the reliance on agency nursing to fill gaps, highlighting the difficulties in maintaining services, especially in a fast-growing jurisdiction like Yukon.
Conclusion:
The health care worker shortage in Yukon demands urgent attention and innovative solutions. Dr. McLeod’s proposals to explore new roles for nurse practitioners and physician assistants, coupled with a team-based approach, provide a potential pathway to address the challenges. As Yukon navigates this complex issue, Directpath Canada stands ready to support the region with recruitment, immigration, and settlement services tailored to the evolving needs of the health care sector. Connect with us to explore collaborative solutions for a sustainable and resilient health care workforce in Yukon, ensuring the well-being of the community and enhancing the delivery of quality health care services.
Jon Eric de Belen, RCIC
