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Government Undermines Pediatricians with Lack of Consultations

  • Writer: NL NDP
    NL NDP
  • Apr 15
  • 2 min read

For Immediate Release

April 15, 2025

 

NL NDP Leader Jim Dinn called out government today on their plan to move adult gynecology into the Janeway.

Yesterday, Dinn cited a 30-page report from Janeway pediatricians to NL Health Services (NLHS) and the Department of Health, raising concerns about the move and lack of consultation. While the Acting Health Minister claimed consultations are just beginning, doctors and health professionals disagree.

 

“On March 11, NLHS gave a formal presentation plan to pediatric staff on a plan (not a discussion starter as the Minister has said) to integrate adult gynecology into the Janeway. No prior consultation with doctors nor consideration to the impact on services,” said Dinn. “Doctors were scolded for contacting politicians and the media. Now the Minister of Health accuses them of being a little defensive. I ask who’s being defensive? Pediatricians? Or the Minister and the CEO of NL Health Services?”

 

He noted that while the Acting Minister insists children’s services won’t be affected, the pediatricians’ report says otherwise.

 

“According to the Pediatrician’s report: 15 patients were delayed transfers out of the PICU due to a lack of beds; 3 critically ill children were transferred out of the province; 24 sleep studies were cancelled; perinatal clinic space has been lost to adult pre-op assessments; pediatric teaching and meeting rooms have been lost to adult cardiology; a sharing of Janeway OR, MRI, and CT scanner with adult services.”

 

Dinn reiterated that the plan was presented to pediatricians without consultation, prompting already burnt-out doctors to compile the 30-page report. He says their concerns must be taken seriously before moving forward.

 

“I ask the Minister, what he plans to do to ensure that the professional concerns raised by pediatricians in their Preserve, Protect, Prioritize document doesn’t turn into an Auditor General’s Report on children’s healthcare?”

 

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For further information, contact Stephanie Curran, Media and Communications Officer, NDP Caucus at 330-0328 (o), or stephaniecurran@gov.nl.ca  



 
 
 

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