“The approval for the positions was given by the health minister in July and interviews took place in October,” said Theriault. “I don’t understand why the positions have not been filled.”

Theriault says the workspace for the nurse practitioner is ready and waiting in Digby, but there is no indication of when one will be hired.

“The people of Digby need access to these health care professionals and they need it now,” says Theriault. “Our community was promised a nurse practitioner by the minister nearly a year ago. Waiting that long for a commitment to be fulfilled is flat out unacceptable and Digby residents are frustrated.”

Theriault said the Digby area has a large aging population that requires consistent access to medical care. “We are lacking doctors so we really need to have nurse practitioners in our hospital to care for the 6,000 people who don’t have a family doctor. The situation is critical.”

Nurse practitioners would allow the one emergency room doctor at the Digby General Hospital to concentrate on emergencies. Currently the community doesn’t have the medical staff to handle the number of patients going to the hospital needing treatment.

“I hope the minister acts quickly to fill these two positions so the people of Digby can finally get the health care they deserve. He needs to offer less talk and a lot more action.”

Fraser Mooney, communications director with South West Health, says the process of hiring health workers like the nurse practitioners can be a lengthy one, made more so when applicants are working elsewhere.

“We have interviewed and jobs have been offered, but because of their obligations, we haven’t been able to fill the positions yet.”

As well, Mooney said, South West Health continues to work with local physicians to ensure their participation since the nurse practitioners must be part of a collaborative practice, working with a doctor.