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Hay report being implemented for Grenfell Board? Jones concerned positions not being filled July 5, 2005
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Yvonne Jones, Opposition Health Critic and MHA for the District of
Cartwright-L’Anse au Clair, says she is concerned that health care positions
are not being filled at the St. Anthony hospital and clinics on the northern
peninsula, recommendations that were made in the controversial Hay Report
compiled for government. "This government has already shelved numerous recommendations on the west coast of the province and stated that no recommendations would be implemented without extensive consultation with the public and health care boards. It now appears that several of the recommendations in the Grenfell Hay Report are being implemented. "In the Grenfell Hay Report it suggests eliminating health care positions at the St. Anthony hospital and at clinics in various communities. Currently, there are no pediatricians, radiologists or ophthalmologists at the hospital; three internal medicine positions are vacant; one surgeon position has been left vacant; three physician positions have been left vacant, with another physician leaving in the coming weeks; one physician has taken on the duties of three in both Flower’s Cove and Roddickton. These actions are very similar to the recommendations contained in the Hay Report and I question whether government is trying to implement these recommendations through the back door to avoid public backlash. "The process used to dismiss controversial recommendations on the west coast was very bizarre. There has still been no official announcement from the Minister of Health regarding decisions related to Stephenville or Port aux Basques. It is for this reason that I am asking government for clarification as to what is happening in St. Anthony and the Grenfell Health Board. Why aren’t these positions being filled? "It has been demonstrated time and time again that these health care professionals are vital in providing appropriate health care services to the people on the northern peninsula and southern Labrador. I cannot understand why government is not actively trying to fill these positions, unless this is part of their overall plan to reduce services and save money on the backs of the people living in this region of our province. "By eliminating clinics and medical positions, the consequences will be devastating for people who require immediate medical attention. These cuts will certainly place the lives of people living in rural communities at a much higher risk than those living in urban and centralized areas. It is now time for government to come clean and tell the people living on the northern peninsula and in southern Labrador what recommendations have or will be accepted."
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