Fort Simpson (July 09/04) - Due to a shortage of nurses, the Fort Simpson health centre is only open for emergencies until July 16.

A doctor and two nurses are currently on staff but the three other nurses are on holidays, according to Minnie Letcher, acting CEO of Deh Cho Health and Social Services.

"We can't get any relief nurses right at this point. We didn't have a choice," Letcher said. "Two nurses on staff cannot handle a full load at sick clinic."

Similar measures have been taken in the past in Fort Liard and Fort Providence, Letcher noted.

Pre-natal patients and those afflicted with chronic conditions such as heart conditions and diabetes will still be treated, she said, adding that health centre hours remain 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Others have the option of calling the new territory-wide tele-care line.

Demand for health centre services normally declines during the summer months, according to Letcher.

Keyna Norwegian, Chief of the Liidlii Kue First Nation, said Deh Cho Health and Social Services is responsible for finding an adequate number of staff at any time.

"I don't agree with it at all," she said of the current situation. "I believe a letter will be coming from the First Nations regarding that. (Even) if people have to wait longer, they should be able to see somebody."

When the issue arose at Monday night's village council meeting, Coun. Darlene Sibbeston said two full weeks of emergency-only status seems "kind of extreme."

Mayor Raymond Michaud replied, "Yeah, but it will be over before we do anything."