For Immediate Release
03 April, 2023
Critic for Health and Community Services, and NDP Member for Torngat Mountains, Lela Evans is concerned that the amalgamation of the health authorities has effectively muted regional expertise.
On April 1st, 2023 the health authorities amalgamated into one provincial authority, however regional health councils have yet to be established, and when they are they will lack any influence and no authority on health care decisions in their region because the Provincial Health Authority Act was rushed and not well planned.
“This amalgamation lacks clarity and reflects a running theme we’ve seen from this government – the failure to consult with stakeholders,” said Evans. “Regional Health Councils have no power or influence. Government is muting and excluding expertise and experience from local regions.”
“The Liberal government is contradicting what was called for in the Health Accord,” said Evans. “This framework doesn’t improve rural healthcare and binds regions to the will of decision-makers in St. John’s, who lack the context and understanding of the realities local people face.”
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For further information, contact Eddy St. Coeur, Director of Communications, NDP Caucus at 729-2137 (o), or eddystcoeur@gov.nl.ca