Minister Outraged at Public Comments of Third Party
that Attack Integrity of Health Care System

The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services, is appalled at the public comments of the MHA for Straits-White Bay North that demonstrate his disrespect of the province’s health care system.

“I am shocked at the tactics of the MHA for the Straits-White Bay North and that he would attack the province’s health care system and credibility of its administrators and board members,” said Minister Sullivan. “Our health care professionals and administrators are doing tremendous work. Our government appreciates their work and is deeply committed to the delivery of health care in the province. It is a commitment that was highlighted earlier this week with an investment of $2.3 million for new equipment, renovations, and repairs at health care facilities in St. Anthony, Roddickton, and Flowers Cove.”

On Sunday, May 26, Minister Sullivan and Tony Wakeham, CEO of Labrador-Grenfell, met with the Town of St. Anthony to discuss the resignations of three surgeons.

“My meeting with the Town of St. Anthony was very productive and I assured them of our commitment to retain a staff complement of four surgeons in the community,” said Minister Sullivan. “Any commentary to the contrary is false. The departures of these surgeons are normal human resource issues as retirements and resignations occur daily in every environment. Labrador-Grenfell is recruiting for these positions and has a plan in place to continue surgical services in St. Anthony.”

There are more physicians practicing in Newfoundland and Labrador than ever before. In fact, it is tied for second in Canada based on a physician to population ratio.

“Labrador-Grenfell Health and the other regional health authorities are constantly recruiting for medical specialists, including general surgeons,” said Minister Sullivan. “Based on our success in recent years of recruiting and retaining physicians, as well as other medical personnel, we have positive success from which to build and will continue to ensure that individuals and families have access to important medical services.”

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Media contact:
Scott Barfoot
Director of Communications
Department of Health and Community Services
709-729-1377, 690-6290
scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca 

2013 05 30             4:30 p.m.