Hay River (Feb 06/06) - An unanswered letter to the minister of Health and Social Services over a shortage of doctors has ruffled feathers in Hay River.

However, the department says it has no record of receiving such a letter.

In late November, the Hay River Health and Social Services Authority wrote a letter to Health Minister Michael Miltenberger, asking for more help in recruiting doctors.

On Jan. 26, CEO Paul Vieira told the authority's monthly board meeting that no answer had been received to the letter.

"Not responding is not acceptable," said board member Joy Stewart.

Robert Halifax, another board member, said no response is not being very supportive. "I'm sure glad we haven't had a catastrophe."

Damien Healy, communications manager with the Department of Health and Social Services, said the department was unaware of the letter until asked about it by a News/North reporter.

"It was news to us," Healy said.

The department is still trying to figure out what happened.

"As far as the department is concerned, we have no record of the letter," Healy said.

The department contacted the health authority and received a faxed copy on Feb. 2, and Healy said a response will be made this week.

Vieira said the original letter was mailed.

Since just before Christmas to the beginning of February, there were only two doctors in Hay River, which normally has at least four.

There will be four doctors until Feb. 10, three from Feb. 11-13, two (and possibly three) from Feb. 14 to March 11, and three from March 12-18. Those numbers include two permanent physicians. The others are locums on temporary assignment in the territory. There is also a nurse practitioner available.

However, one long-term physician is leaving the community at the end of March.