Media Release
For Immediate Release
July 20, 2000
Local MLA Wall Disappointed With Lack of
Progress on Hospital
Swift Current MLA Brad Wall today reacted to recent
announcements by the Health Minister regarding the budget plans of
the Swift Current Health District and the elimination of hundreds
of health care positions in Saskatchewan.
Late last week, Health Minister Pat Atkinson released her review
of the proposals submitted by the health districts. The 2000-01
proposed budget of the Swift Current Health District, which
included an $11.6 million regeneration plan for the Swift Current
Regional Hospital, was one of five proposals rejected by the
Minister.
"I am very disappointed that the future of our hospital is
still up in the air.95 Wall said. "Late last year, Minister
Atkinson indicated that the province's health system needs
effective regional hospitals.9' he added. 'This latest
announcement by the government was the perfect chance to give a
strong signal for our hospital as a regional centre. While I am
disappointed, I am still hopeful that we can work towards new
hospital facilities for Swift Current and area.59
On the issue of the local hospital, Wall wrote a letter several
months ago to the Health Minister emphasizing the need for a true
regional hospital in Swift Current. He also presented petitions in
the Legislature containing the signatures of hundreds of local
residents calling for funding for Swift Current's hospital.
Wall also expressed discontent with the announcement that the
government would be eliminating 278 health care jobs, including
110 nursing positions. 'The impact of the decision to cut nursing
positions is unclear, but given the nursing shortage it certainly
isn't going to help." he added. "During the fall
election campaign, the NDP promised to hire 500 health-care
workers and the Liberals promised 300 new nursing positions. How
does this coalition government plan to shorten waiting lists,
attract health care professionals to the province, and enhance
services by laying off 110 nurses? It's a perfect example of
saying one thing to get elected and then afterwards doing the
exact opposite." Wall said.
Wall explained that the Official Opposition has proposed improving
the finances of health districts by utilizing extra money in the
Health Department's Transition Fund, and holding the line on
hospital closures and staffing cuts while a review of
Saskatchewan's health care system takes place. The review headed
up by Ken Fyke is expected to be complete by the spring.
"The province needs to stabilize the current health care
system while also developing a sound plan for the future."
Wall concluded.
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