The Manitoba Association of Health Care Professionals says the there are only three lab techs left in Thompson, a position that currently has a 75 per cent vacancy rate.

 

The union says the critical staffing shortages at the Thompson General Hospital threaten to shut down ER services altogether, citing closures in Roblin and Ericksdale as examples.

 

Since 2020, six medical laboratory technologists have left positions in Thompson, with workload assessment data indicating lab techs in the city have been forced to work up to 47 hours straight, including full shifts and on-call.

 

This comes as MAHCP members participated in an information picket yesterday at the hospital after 99 per cent of them voted in favour of a strike mandate.

 

Flin Flon is having their information picket today, with The Pas participating tomorrow.

 

In a statement to Arctic Radio, Shared Health says MLT recruitment is underway, with careers fairs scheduled to be held next month in Thompson, Flin Flon, and The Pas.

 

Tune in to Thompson Today at 12:40 and 5:10 this afternoon for more information.