May 12, 1997
(Health)

Over the weekend, the Social Policy Committee of Cabinet and two Members of the House of Assembly representing the districts of Burgeo and La Poile, and the district of Virginia Waters, heard from health providers, consumers, and administrators from across the province during the provincial health forum. Today, on Canada Health Day, I am pleased to report to members of the House of Assembly that this was a very valuable exercise for participants, for government and for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. Government is committed to working in partnership with all of our health stakeholders in order to continue to deliver quality health services to the people of this province.

This was a genuine effort by people, working with government towards the common goal of providing the best possible health services to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. Participants approached the forum with a willingness and a commitment to improving our overall health system.

This forum produced candid and open discussion amongst a variety of knowledgeable health providers and consumers on both the strengths as well as the weaknesses of our health system.

There was general consensus amongst forum participants that we have a good health system with many strengths, including our dedicated and knowledgeable staff, our fine facilities and a growing community based system. The group did acknowledge, and government concurs, that there are stresses and problems in certain sectors and regions of the province that need to be addressed on a priority basis. Government has heard the concerns and will begin to implement measures as quickly as possible.

Some of the concerns include doctor shortages in rural communities, emergency room doctor shortages, workload stress on front line workers, waiting times for cardiac surgery and other health services, the pace of reform and the need for a more coordinated role of various health professionals.

Some of the short and long term solutions to pressing needs, as identified by the participants include increased emphasis on prevention and public education including more appropriate use of emergency departments. The establishment of an advisory council to report to government on an ongoing basis was also suggested. Better utilization of health care workers including nurse practitioners, allied health professionals and nursing assistants was one priority area. Participants spoke of the need to restore some stability to an evolving health system.

The health forum also identified strategic directions to guide our health system in the long term. Many spoke of the need for better coordination and communication within government to recognize the importance of the factors outside the direct health system which impact our health; factors such as education levels, employment, income and housing.

We also identified the need for evidence based decision making in health service delivery. In other words, we must implement changes based on sound research which will ensure positive health outcomes. The forum participants recognized that there is limited funding available to deliver health programs and services and we must ensure we make the right choices, sound choices, on where to allocate those resources.

Mr. Speaker, this forum was not intended to address all of the concerns over the course of two days. However, this forum has accomplished what government set out to do. We heard from a wide range of knowledgeable health professionals and consumers. Together, this group identified priorities and brought suggestions forward. Government is prepared to move as soon as possible in addressing these concerns.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to publicly thank the forum participants who devoted their weekend to share with each other, and government, very important, useful information as well as suggestions in priority setting and problem solving. It is a credit to the participants of the forum, Mr. Speaker, who were responsible and productive with their input, putting aside personal agendas for the benefit of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.