NLIS 6
June 5, 2001
(Health and Community Services)

Acting Health Minister clarifies statements

Gerald Smith, Acting Minister of Health and Community Services, today clarified statements made concerning a separate health board for the Sir Thomas Roddick Hospital in Stephenville.

"Government does not intend to establish a separate board in the Stephenville area," said Minister Smith. "This government continues to be committed to and supportive of a regional approach to the provision of health and community services throughout this province."

Minister Smith stated he met with the Citizens for Quality Health Care in Stephenville to discuss their concerns on health-related issues, particularly those resulting from the three-year action plan of the Western Health Care Corporation (WHCC).

"On a request from the concerned citizens group, I and my colleague, Kevin Aylward, the MHA for St. Georges/Stephenville East, met with this group on Saturday, June 2, to hear their concerns," said Minister Smith. "Government continues to be supportive of the direction the WHCC is taking with its three-year action plan. I understand there have been some adjustments made to the plan and there have been public information sessions to communicate to the people of the western region the actions contained in the plan."

Minister Smith said officials of his department continue to work with the WHCC to ensure that any direction taken would maintain and improve health services in western Newfoundland.

"The action plan of the WHCC provides a rational plan for the future delivery of health services in the western region. There are no reductions in clinical programs in this plan," said Minister Smith.

Minister Smith said there were a wide range of issues raised by the citizens group which he is currently considering and will provide feedback to the group.

Media contact: Carmel Turpin, Communications, (709) 729-1377.

2001 06 05                                                     4:15 p.m.