July 8, 2004

Health group offers $50,000 bursary lure
by Tom McCoag, Amherst Bureau, The Herald

AMHERST - The Cumberland regional health authority believes it has found a homegrown cure to its medical staffing shortages.

The authority, with four local health foundations, has established a $50,000 bursary that will provide up to $4,000 per year to students in 18 heath-care professions, in which the authority expects shortages soon.

Those accepting the bursary must agree to return to work in one of the county's five hospitals, the bursary will be forgiven. If not they will be required to pay it back.

"This is a win-win situation for everyone," authority chairman Bruce Saunders said in announcing the program Wednesday. "Students get funding to assist in their education, and we will be able to fill some of our vacancies."

The authority's research has shown that this program "is a first for Nova Scotia and an idea whose success will be watched carefully by other district health authorities and the Department of Health," he added.

The search for a "home-grown" solution to the medical staff shortage was brought about by provincial studies showing there will be shortages across the province in a number of fields, including lab technicians, nurses, radiology technicians, dietitians and other medical professionals within the next few years.

"It became clear that we had to formulate a plan to address our impending human resources needs. What better way to fill those vacancies than with bright young people from Cumberland County," Mr. Saunders said.

The authority approached the four foundations, which usually raise money for equipment, and they quickly jumped on board.

Initially, the bursary will be awarded to four students. By the fourth year of the program, the authority expects to assist as many as 16 students per year.

Applications for the bursary are available immediately from the authority. The candidates will be put through a rigorous, two-stage selection process, with authority staff conducting the first stage - which includes identifying specific jobs that need to be filled - while a joint committee of authority board and foundation members will make the final selection.

The successful candidates also will be offered summer jobs and be guaranteed a job upon graduation, Mr. Saunders said. It's hoped the first bursaries will be granted before school resumes in September.