by The director of the Cape Breton Cancer Centre says a doctor shortage they face is potentially a crisis.
One of the centre’s medical oncologists recently left, bringing the number of vacancies for oncologists to two, and leaving just four oncologists at the centre.
Dr. William Harless says the centre was already understaffed before the most recent departure.
The District has also been unable to fill a hematology vacancy, despite getting funding for the position a year ago.
The doctor who recently left was also helping out with hematology patients who suffer from cancers of the blood.
Harless says he recently spoke with provincial Health Minister Leo Glavine and other department officials about the need for more staff, as well as a more attractive package to recruit a full-time hematologist.
The shortage has left some patients who could have been treated locally being referred to Halifax.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Health Department says they’re working to find a timely resolution to the situation.