St. John’s, NL (February 25, 2025) – Barry Petten, Progressive Conservative (PC) Shadow Minister for Health and Community Services and MHA for Conception Bay South, is calling on the Furey Liberal Government to take immediate action after receiving disturbing new photos exposing unsafe conditions at the Health Sciences Centre (HSC) in St. John’s.

The images, sent by a cardiac patient at the province’s only tertiary care hospital, show dirt, water damage, and mould growing through holes in the patient’s bathroom walls.

“This is absolutely disgraceful,” said Petten. “A person battling a life-threatening heart condition should be focused on their recovery—not worried about toxic mould and filthy conditions in their hospital room.”

Despite ongoing concerns from patients and staff, conditions at the hospital continue to worsen, raising serious concerns about patient safety and care.

Petten pointed out that a year ago, he received photos from another patient at the HSC revealing rodent feces, dirt, garbage on the floors, and holes in the walls that were covered with plastic bags. At the time, then Health Minister Tom Osborne called the situation ‘unacceptable’ but simply deflected responsibility to Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services.

“Unfortunately, the Furey Liberals are all about photo ops and empty promises, but when it comes to real action, they are nowhere to be found,” added Petten. “Has there been any meaningful work done to improve patient rooms since last year? Instead of repeatedly re-announcing the new St. Clare’s and Cardiac Institute, this government needs to focus on fixing the crumbling infrastructure they have now.”

Petten compared the situation to a homeowner putting in new windows while the roof is still leaking.

“I support new healthcare infrastructure, but the Liberals’ approach makes no sense. They want ribbon cuttings and flashy headlines while patients are suffering in unacceptable conditions.”

A PC Government under Tony Wakeham will take real action to fix our province’s healthcare system. We will make sure that healthcare facilities allow patients to receive the quality care they deserve. While the Furey Liberals focus on photo ops, a Wakeham-led Government will focus on delivering results for all of us.

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