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Cape Breton South Recruiting for Health: A Conversation with Program Director Gina MacDonald
Civic Journalist Jake Boudrot reports

Program Director Gina MacDonald recently sat down with Civic Journalist Jake Boudrot to share updates from Cape Breton South Recruiting for Health, reflecting on the organization’s accomplishments over the past year and what’s currently in the works.

During a presentation to Richmond Municipal Council’s committee-of-the-whole on March 11, MacDonald highlighted several initiatives, including the “Career Catalogue”—a student recruitment campaign aimed at sparking local interest in health care careers. She discussed the origins of the idea, how it’s been received so far, and the group’s plans for rolling it out across the region.

At the Port Hawkesbury Town Council meeting on April 2, MacDonald noted recent progress in recruiting health care professionals for the Strait-Richmond Hospital. She elaborated on specific gains, especially in light of ongoing challenges with emergency department closures. While the ER was closed eight times in March, she emphasized that steps are being taken to address the staffing gap, including efforts to attract a dedicated physician for the unit.

MacDonald also spoke to the importance of not just recruitment but retention. Councillor Todd Barrett acknowledged this broader focus, and MacDonald expanded on the group’s work to help health care workers stay in the region, citing initiatives that support professional development and community integration.

During the same meeting, Councillor Paula Hart pointed to the potential impact of the regional residency program. MacDonald agreed, noting its significance for long-term health care sustainability.

Looking ahead, she emphasized the critical role the new Medical School at Cape Breton University will play—not only for Cape Breton South Recruiting for Health but for the region’s entire health care system.

As for what’s next, MacDonald shared that the organization is awaiting provincial funding approval, which is expected soon.