YELLOWKNIFE - After an 18-month closure, Stanton Territorial Hospital has reopened its surgical unit recuperating area.

"We combined the surgical unit with the pediatrics unit," said Sylvia Haener, chief executive officer of Stanton Territorial Hospital.

Nurses Dawn Lappin, left, and Jaclyn Mazurkiewicz are both happy Stanton Territorial Hospital's surgery unit has reopened. - photo courtesy of Karen Pryznyk

The unit re-opened Feb. 4. Haener said the unit was closed due to staff shortages and because beds were not being filled. The hospital opted to put post-surgery patients into pediatrics and obstetrics wards instead.

There was a day-surgery room just off to the side of the surgical unit, however, that was being used for patients who were discharged at the end of the day.

"At certain times of the year we've found that we weren't able to adequately staff the units," Haener said. She said international nursing shortages, as well as staff seasonal availability were to blame.

Haener said while the surgical unit was closed, the hospital's operating theatres were still open. She said that the operating theatres were closed regularly three times a year for holidays.

"Emergencies are still accommodated," she added.

Haener said that the staff are happier now that the surgical unit has reopened, as it is easier for them to keep track of patients.

"The feedback that we're getting from the staff is that they're happy," said Haener.