Mr. Speaker, I have a return to written question asked by Mr. Krutko on October 16, 2009, regarding health and social services in Tsiigehtchic.
In 2008-2009, there were 11 trips made by physicians to Tsiigehtchic, totalling 120 hours of clinic time provided to the 193 residents of Tsiigehtchic. For nine of those visits, two physicians were present.
The nurse-in-charge (NIC) visited every Thursday, for 7.5 hours. During the spring thaw and winter freeze-up, the NIC resided in Tsiigehtchic. For 2008-2009, the NIC remained in the community from April 8 until June 3, 2008, and from October 17 until December 5, 2008.
There were 17 visits during 2008-2009 by social workers, totalling 260 hours spent with clients in Tsiigehtchic, with a further 73.5 hours spent with Tsiigehtchic clients outside of the community.
Later today, at the appropriate time, I will table a listing of the dates of all the visits made by the physicians and social workers.
The Beaufort-Delta Health and Social Services Authority use locum and casual staff to fill any vacant positions. Currently, 15 percent of positions are unfilled. The funding allocated for these positions is used to hire locum and casual staff to ensure that the services are provided. The extra cost incurred in having temporary staff travel north and into the communities exceeds the budget set aside for the compensation and benefits. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
