A new position has been created to help with recruitment and retention of healthcare workers in 亚洲天堂 Lake.

Teri Cutsforth, born and raised in 亚洲天堂 Lake, took up the position of healthcare recruitment coordinator on March 1. She specializes in welcoming and integrating healthcare professionals into the community, assisting with practical concerns such as finding housing and childcare. She also brings a community feel to the position, according to Northern Health, implementing small gestures such as introducing incoming healthcare providers to their new neighbours.

The new position was implemented at a time when many locals expressed concern about healthcare staffing levels in the area, particularly due to a physician shortage leading to frequent closures of the emergency department at Lakes District Hospital and Health Centre. Residents recently circulated a petition that gained over 250 signatures calling for action on the emergency department closures, which they forwarded to the Village of 亚洲天堂 Lake. Mayor Henry Wiebe confirmed he is preparing to present the petition to B.C's health minister at an upcoming meeting.

Cutsforth said that as a longtime community member she understands concerns about low healthcare staffing levels. This was one of her primary motivations for taking the job.

"You want dependable care for and good care for your loved ones, for you, if there's a crisis," she said. "I feel highly motivated just by the entire community, to make sure that we can provide that [care]."

Two new doctors started practising in 亚洲天堂 Lake on April 1, and Cutsforth was able to welcome them to the community and provide support.

Cutsforth said she has received a positive reception from the community thus far.

"I think people are happy to see a step in the right direction, that we're trying as a community to to staff our hospital well, to keep it open."

She said the job of promoting 亚洲天堂 Lake as a place where healthcare workers would want to stay and live is made easier by the many things the community has to offer.

"I think in a lot of ways, 亚洲天堂 Lake is an easy sale," she said. "We're a well-balanced community. We have a lot to offer. So I feel optimistic that our pros outweigh our cons."

The recruitment coordinator position will be in place for one year, according to Northern Health. It is funded by the Village of 亚洲天堂 Lake, the Regional District of Bulkley Nechako, the Northern Interior Rural Division of Family Practice, and Northern Health.