A Dryden doctor must attend sensitivity training after making inappropriate comments to a First Nations family at a Dryden hospital emergency room earlier this month.

There was no formal complaint about the matter; however, a post on the social media website Facebook prompted the hospital to respond. The online comment — written by a family member — said a boy was brought to the Dryden Regional Health Centre after he fell and cut his lip.

The person claimed the doctor made comments the family found racially offensive.

"We've concluded that the physician in question did act in a manner that was in breach of the code of conduct that the hospital maintains,” said Robert Stevens, hospital board chair. “And of course we're taking this breach very seriously."

The physician, who has worked at the hospital for about 20 years, will have to attend cultural sensitivity training — and he's offered to apologize to the family. His name has not been released by the hospital.

'Culturally aware'

Aboriginal relations trainer Bonnie Couchie said it's crucial physicians are culturally aware, especially when dealing with patients at vulnerable times.

"It's these times when people need health care professionals who are understanding,” she said.

The Dryden Regional Health Centre does have mandatory cultural sensitivity training for all staff. However, because the doctor involved in this incident is employed by an outside clinic, the hospital board chair said he could not confirm if he had received the training.

Stevens said the hospital will conduct a full review to ensure all staff, medical staff, and volunteers have received appropriate cultural sensitivity training.

When contacted by CBC News, family members involved in the incident said they are considering their options before commenting further.