Minister to receive report

Gerald Smith, Minister of Health and Community Services, today indicated that he has requested a full report on the health and community services provided to Dr. Shirley Turner and Zachary Turner. The minister will forward this information to the Child and Youth Advocate with a request that the Advocate report back as he considers appropriate.

"I have been given every confidence that our policies were properly applied and good judgement was used," stated Minister Smith. "However, when a tragedy such as this occurs, it is always a concern. I believe it is prudent to ask for this report and the involvement of the Advocate to confirm the interventions provided to this family were in keeping with our legislation and standards."

For reasons of confidentiality, the report will not be made public. The Child and Youth Advocate is an officer of the House of Assembly, independent of the Department of Health and Community Services.

"Once again, I express my sympathies to the families involved as this has been a great tragedy," said Minister Smith.

Media contact: Gail Tucker, Communications, (709) 729-2788

Note to media: The Minister of Health and Community Services will be available to the media at 2:30 p.m. today in the lobby of the West Block, Confederation Building.

2003 09 05                                         2:05 p.m.