(May 4, 2021) – Lela Evans, PC Opposition Shadow Minister for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation and Labrador Affairs, is yet again expressing disappointment in healthcare services offered to the people of Labrador.

On Tuesday, an Innu youth was rushed 30 kilometers to hospital in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, not in an ambulance, but the backseat of their mother’s vehicle. The decision to transport the youth was made by local nursing staff in the community of Sheshatshiu. Accounts from the family say that he was barely breathing at the time.

Upon arrival at the hospital, the youth spent another eleven and a half hours awaiting triage. The youth is now awaiting a medivac to St. John’s.

“This is unacceptable pure and simple. Access to appropriate emergency medical transportation is critical, so why do patients in Labrador continue to suffer the consequences of substandard care? It has to end. A few weeks ago, we saw the story of a man that waited 36 hours for a medevac and ended up on life support,” said Evans.

“Today, we see another medical emergency where a young Innu was transported in the backseat of his mom’s car, and now he awaits a medevac to St. John’s. The failure to provide adequate medical transportation continues to bring harm and suffering to Labrador patients.”

Evans questions why these issues happen in Labrador so consistently. Evans is calling for an investigation into this incident to determine clearly what went wrong and how it can be prevented in the future.

“This is Canada. We are a G-7 country and supposed world leader. The fact that Labradorians are not provided with the same level of medical care is unacceptable, and to speak frankly, we deserve far better than what this government is offering,” said Evans.

“These issues will not stop occurring until this government chooses to act on the inequality of services offered on the island versus in Labrador. I worry another issue similar to this will occur next week, and the week after. How many Labradorians will suffer until their healthcare is taken seriously?”

David Maher

Director of Strategic Communications

(cell) 709-725-0984

DavidMaher@gov.nl.ca

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