September 14, 1999
(Health and Community Services)

Government awaiting recommendations of HCCSJ regarding review of hospital suicides

Joan Marie Aylward, Minister of Health and Community Services, advised that government today received a copy of the review of hospital suicides that have occurred in St. John's hospitals over the past 10 years.

"Over the next while, government will take the time to give full and careful consideration to the report. In the meantime, we encourage the Health Care Corporation of St. John's to review the report in a timely fashion, and to consult thoroughly with affected stakeholders on the recommendations. Government awaits this examination by the corporation after which the recommendations contained in the report will be discussed taking into account this consultation process," said the minister.

The minister also acknowledged that the Department of Health and Community Services has received a proposal from the corporation for the development of an Adolescent Mental Health Unit. The unit has a capital cost associated with it which is not budgeted for in the current fiscal year. However, the proposal will be considered with all other items during the upcoming budgetary process, at which time it will need to be assessed against other health and community services priorities.

"I am pleased that the report is now complete, and I look forward to addressing the issues in consultation with the Health Care Corporation of St. John's," said the minister.

Media contact: Glenn Bruce, (709) 729-1377.

1999 09 14 5:05 p.m.