Media Release
For Immediate Release
February 21, 2001
Wall
Writes Minister: Quality of Health Care in Swift Current
Unacceptable
In light of the
ongoing problems facing the Swift Current Health District, Local
MLA Brad Wall has requested the intervention of Health Minister
John Nilson.
Wall
has written to the new Minister of Health asking the provincial
government to alleviate the pressure on the health care system
caused by the closure of acute and long term care beds in Swift
Current.
"The closures
are the direct result of a district budget approved by this NDP
government," Wall said. 'These bed closures are putting a
strain on local health care delivery in the southwest."
"Yesterday
elective surgeries were canceled due to a lack of beds, I have
also been told the length of postpartum care for new mothers may
be diminished because of a demand for maternity beds by
non-maternity cases. Long-term care patients are utilizing scarce
acute care beds due to bed closures at long term care
facilities."
"Only three
weeks ago, a southwest Saskatchewan resident, whom the attend doctor believed should have been admitted to the
hospital, was told to check info a mot
the duration of his treatment because there was no
available bed." Wall continued.
Despite assurances
from the government that there would be no substantive changes in
health care delivery until the Fyke Commission reported its
findings, Wall said that changes are indeed occurring to the
system in Swift Current and area.
"How much more
evidence does this government need? We need the Minister of Health
to intervene and ensure that adequate resources are provided to
the district to meet the health care needs of the residents."
Wall concluded.
For More Information
Contact 778-2429
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