(August 7, 2021) – Paul Dinn, PC Opposition Shadow Minister of Health and MHA for Topsail-Paradise, says he’s thankful tragedy was avoided on Cape Spear on Friday evening, but the incident highlighted the on-going crisis within the Newfoundland and Labrador healthcare system.

On Friday evening, it was reported an individual fell into the waters near Cape Spear. It was also reported that no ambulances were available to respond to the incident, given a red alert status in St. John’s at the time of the incident.

“First, let’s be thankful the rescuers who attended the scene near Cape Spear were able to display their heroism once again and avoid a tragedy,” said Dinn.

“Second, the lack of ambulances available in the Metro region and throughout Newfoundland and Labrador is a crisis, upon a crisis. The sheer volume of red alert statuses reported in our province is shocking. The healthcare system is being pushed to its limits every single day and we are not seeing answers from government.”

According to a January 25 from the CBC, there were over 2000 red alert occurrences in 2020 alone.

Dinn says the people of Newfoundland and Labrador need a healthcare system they can rely on – and it’s just not being delivered.

“Paramedics are overworked, nurses are working regular 24-hour shifts, and emergency rooms are filled with people looking for a prescription because they don’t have a family doctor. Meanwhile, the Health Minister is making quips that gift baskets are part of the solution.” said Dinn.

“The Health Minister needs to recognize the severity of the crisis unfolding in the hallways of the hospitals of Newfoundland and Labrador.”
 

Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Communications

(p) (709) 769-2216

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