LEWISPORTE -
While the restructuring of the laboratory and diagnostic imaging services in Lewisporte was number 10 on a list of 14 cost-cutting recommendations from Central Health, it was the first to be acted upon.
On Sept. 11 the Department of Health and Community Services released information pertaining to the changes that will take place at the Lewisporte Laboratory and X-ray Clinic. In a Department press release it is noted that the documents written by Central Health officials contain recommendations for operational changes within the Central Regional Health Authority.
This information came as a surprise to Reverend Arthur Elliott of the Concerned Citizens Coalition who had spoken to media the same day about a meeting he had with Central Health board members, before the Department released this information.
"In discussions with members of the board I was informed that the board was not a participant in this decision and that the board knew nothing of a document that promoted the closure of the lab and x-ray in Lewisporte," said Rev. Elliott. "Then that afternoon we find out about this release by the Health Department that the board had submitted 14 possible closures and reconfigurations to save money for the healthcare system. It's here in black and white.
"I think the healthcare board at the same time warned the government, through its chairman (Robert Woolfrey), that if they enacted any of these cuts there would be severe ramifications for the communities.
"We don't know at this stage whether we were mislead or not. Since the health board representatives made the statement, it's up to the health board representatives to respond to that statement."
The Pilot contacted Central Health for comment on the documents and recommendations but was informed that no one would be commenting on the matter and they would inform The Pilot if that changed.
Rev. Elliott said the realization that the removal of blood testing and X-ray services from Lewisporte was said to be valued at $222,573 is a further example of why this decision to close services doesn't make sense.
"All along (Health) Minister (Paul) Oram has been telling the general public and telling the House that this was about streamlining the system for a more effective health care system for the province," said Rev. Elliott. "Now we find that it's not about an improvement of the healthcare system, it's all about saving $220,000 and from our perspective, $220,000 is a very small, very paltry sum when it comes to the healthcare of the people in this region.
"$220,000 is a very small price to attach to the possible loss of life that can be inherent in this decision and the basic traumatic medical care for our people. I will go further and I will say, that being the case, this is unjust, it's immoral and it's shameful for the government to take such an approach."
Mr. Oram was contacted for comment but was unavailable to speak with The Pilot before deadline.
In a press release included with the release of the documents Mr. Oram had said, "These recommendation were approved by the health authority and CEO prior to discussion with my department."
Further to that he said, "If we can make our healthcare system more efficient and effective for our residents, out government will work to make that happen. We have to provide the best possible care, work to improve services and manage an ever-growing healthcare budget. With strategic planning we can achieve these goals and ensure a sustainable healthcare system for the future."
Lewisporte Mayor Bill Hooper recommended that now is the time to stop trying to "blame this decision on anyone."
"We have to move above that and get this decision reversed," he said.
Rev. Elliott agreed, saying everyone involved needs to concentrate on the issues.
"It's no big concern to us as a committee who said what and when it was said," he said. "What is important for us is that we concentrate on the issue of the closure of the lab and X-ray unit and it's ramifications for people in the area."
Further recommendations
Also contained in the list of "potential operational changes for Central Health" that would impact people within The Pilot coverage area are:
Combining the maternal childcare unit which would result in a savings of $1,300,000. Central Health operates two maternal childcare units along with associated pediatric operations in the Central Newfoundland Regional Health Center (CNRHC) and James Paton Memorial Regional Health Center (JPMRHC). The changing demographic along with staffing issues at all levels, has placed an increasing operational burden in maintaining these units. The proposal would be to place OBS services in CNRHC in Grand Falls-Windsor and reduce staff accordingly at JPMRHC in Gander.
Reconfigure five acute beds in Notre Dame Bay Memorial Health Centre for a savings of $800,000. This site operates with 17 acute care and 33 long-term care beds. The current and projected utilization would allow for the reduction of five of the acute care beds and staff accordingly. Depending on the options chosen this may be a total reduction or a configuration of these beds to alternative level of care.
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