IWK Health Centre says staffing shortage most significant factor in wait times
May 19, 2026
Some women in the Halifax area say a 15-month wait for routine mammograms is “appalling” and fear the delays will lead to late-stage cancer diagnoses.
Cynthia McCutcheon thought she was being proactive last week when she called to book an appointment for September.
When the booking agent mentioned July, McCutcheon thought it was too early. She said she was “really shocked” to realize the date was in 2027.
“I think it’s unacceptable,” she said. “I think women’s health is not a priority for our government.”
As of last week, the earliest appointment in the region was in August 2027 at the Cobequid Community Health Centre. The Dartmouth location was booking for September 2027, while the clinic at the Halifax Shopping Centre was booking for October 2027.