Yellowknife (Nov 13/06) - Dr. Ron Aspenall has applied to be a half-time doctor in Hay River for a year.

He would begin next February, he said, and work six weeks on and six off.

Having another doctor would be "a step in the right direction" to solving the community's shortage of physicians, said Paul Viera, CEO for the local health authority.

The local hospital foundation held a social event on Wednesday to show Dr. Aspenall and his wife Susan that they were welcome in Hay River. Dr. Aspenall will be joining Dr. David Smith, who is also slated to begin work in Hay River in February.