Yellowknife (Oct 31/03) - Stanton Territorial Health Authority's recruitment program has halved the number of vacant positions at the hospital, said CEO Al Woods.

There are 17 vacancies compared to the 36 positions open last year at this same time, Woods said.

He linked the improvement to the $8.2 million strategy Health minister Michael Miltenberger announced last December.

"Every unit is operating and we have several good leads," to fill the vacant positions, he said.

The surgery unit has to close on weekends when staff isn't available, he said.

Woods said the hospital is short six physician specialists. Two general practitioners are scheduled to start in April 2004, another in July and one more in October.

There are 11 vacancies in the ranks registered nurses, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, pharmacists, recreologists and social workers.