THERE MUST BE A REGIONAL HOSPITAL IN THE NEXT BUDGET !

The NDP government is currently developing next year’s provincial budget.  This week we also learned that the federal government has agreed to provide more health care funding to the provinces (however inadequate some may say it is).  Now is the time that we again let the Saskatchewan government know that it is time to approve our new hospital.

Time and time again the entire southwest has made the compelling case for a new hospital for our region.   I have endeavored to take every available opportunity to present our case in the Legislative Assembly.  I have been honoured to present petitions representing well over 6000 residents calling on the government to do the right thing.  Questions have been asked of the Minister and his officials in the Assembly and in almost every major speech to my colleagues I have tried to highlight the obvious need for this facility. 

But most importantly individuals and groups with substantially more credibility than any politician have made the strongest case for a new hospital.

Former and now the current health boards, municipal governments across the southwest, Swift Current City Council, the Dr. Noble Irwin Foundation, and economic development groups like Action Swift Current, have worked hard to convince the NDP government on this issue.   They simply must do the right thing in the upcoming budget.

Even the hospital itself has contributed its own evidence and maybe the best argument for a new facility.  Mold, numerous sewer back-ups, heating/cooling system problems and all manner of “old age” issues are calling out to the government. We have to make sure that Regina gets the message!

The local portion of the funds required has been arranged.  We continue to send a king’s ransom to Regina in oil and gas royalties and land sale revenue.  This government needs to re-invest our money back here.  A great start would be a new hospital.

To his credit, the Health Minister attended recent meetings with various groups in Swift Current.  It was important that he heard first hand from our community of the need for a new hospital.  No doubt the Minister was able to see that the case we have made for a new facility is not about politics.  It is a real and present need.

Our office continues to receive petitions and it is important that we continue to make our case to the government.  Please feel free to email either myself at bradwall@sk.sympatico.ca or the Health Minister, Hon. John Nilson at minister@health.gov.sk.ca to express your support for this initiative.

We need the hospital to ensure the provision of better health care.  It will assist the region to retain and recruit health care professionals and strengthen the long-term economic and medical sustainability of our part of Saskatchewan.

NO DELIVERIES HERE?

Several constituents raised concerns with me after expectant mothers had been advised to travel to other centres to have their babies.  I was able to raise this issue with our health region and ask them for an explanation. Apparently, due to illness leave, our region has been short an obstetrician.  To their credit, however, they have recruited an obstetrician to provide coverage for as long as needed.  We all understand the enormous pressure our health care system is under, but I strongly believe and have communicated to the regional health authority that taxpayers have to be informed of what’s going on in local health care.  I was grateful to see the health board release information to the media on this situation.  Thank you to all those who raised this concern and to the health region for its prompt response.

Our constituency office is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 5 pm in #3 of the Carmel Mall.  Our telephone number is 778-2429 while our fax line is 778-3614. 

*Please call us in advance if you would like to book an appointment.*

My email address is bradwall@sk.sympatico.ca  Our website is www.bradwall.com