It’s tough to get a timely
ultrasound appointment in Whistler these days as the Vancouver Coastal Health
Authority searches for a new technician.
The search is being
exacerbated by the age-old problem of housing in Whistler.
“Whistler’s notorious for
having not that much affordable housing,” said VCHA senior media relations
officer Viviana Zanocco.
The health authority posted
the job listing on Jan. 1 after Whistler’s technician resigned.
Since then the three day a
week ultrasound service has been reduced to Sunday’s only as technicians fill
in from Squamish and the Lower Mainland for the day. Others have been referred
for ultrasounds in Squamish and Lion’s Gate Hospital.
It is not clear when the
Whistler position will be filled.
One on the hand, said
Zanocco, there are unique challenges to filling a spot in Whistler including
the cost of living, the scarcity of accommodation and potentially finding a job
for a spouse. On the other hand, applicants may be drawn specifically to
Whistler for all it has to offer.
