Minister of Health must answer patient questions

Recent cases demonstrate extent of hospital overcrowding

Halifax – NDP Health spokesperson Tammy Martin is concerned that the Minister of Health is avoiding questions about the issue of hospital overcrowding.

“There is a problem in our hospitals. Patients that need care aren’t getting it and the Minister is nowhere to be seen,” said Martin.

Hospital staffing and bed shortages are ongoing issues in the province. Earlier this month, Freda Young of Cape Breton was transported between hospitals in a taxi after the Glace Bay Emergency Department was scheduled to close because of staffing issues.

This week, another case was brought to light where an elderly woman was shuffled between four different hospitals in the Halifax region due to overcrowding and emergency room closures. When media asked to speak to Minister Delorey about this case, the Department would not grant an interview.

“This is more evidence that the Minister is not taking the crisis in our health care system seriously,” said Martin. “Patients deserve answers.”

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