Saskatchewan Faces Critical Shortage of Nuclear Medicine Technologists

Regina is experiencing a critical shortage of nuclear medicine technologists, according to reports from CUPE, the union representing health workers in the city. The union stated that workers are leaving Saskatchewan for higher paying jobs in Alberta, Manitoba, and British Columbia, where senior technologists can earn up to $15 more per hour for the same work. The president of CUPE noted that the wage in Saskatchewan is currently among the lowest in Western Canada.

The shortage affects the ability to perform critical diagnostic testing for conditions ranging from cancer to heart blockages. Due to the lack of staff, patients in the region may experience waits of up to 18 months for necessary test results. Currently, seven of the 18 nuclear medicine technologist positions in Regina are vacant.