(September 23, 2021) – Lela Evans, PC Opposition Shadow Minister of Labrador Affairs and MHA for Torngat Mountains, says the lack of 24-hour medevac services should concern everyone living in rural areas of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Evans says the recent story of the Way family and the loss of their infant child is heartbreaking and highlights the harsh consequences of gaps in healthcare services for rural parts of the province.

“The lack of 24-hour medevac service for critically ill infants out of St. John’s is frightening. If an infant needs emergency care after 7:00 p.m., they run the risk of not receiving the emergency care they need. It’s shocking to be expected to accept that reality in this day and age, in our province,” said Evans.

“Staffing levels are controlled by government. The Department of Health has chosen to allow this gap to exist. The people of Labrador – or of any rural part of our province – should be concerned that this gap continues to exist.”

Evans says this story is just another example of how Labradorians are being failed every day by Newfoundland and Labrador’s healthcare system.

“The hardship endured by the Way family should have never happened. Unfortunately they are not the only ones who have been failed by our healthcare system. I think of the Russell family in Port Hope Simpson, and the Penashue family in Happy Valley-Goose Bay who told their stories recently. How many heart-breaking stories are out there, left untold with only families to bear witness? How many heart breaking stories are to come if we don’t demand change?” said Evans

“Labradorians feel left behind in our healthcare system and sadly, the evidence to back up that feeling grows every single day. As long as Minister Haggie continues to fail to act, lives will continue to be lost. It’s time for him to recognize the crisis facing our healthcare system throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.”
 

Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Strategic Communications

(cell) 709-725-0984

DavidMaher@gov.nl.ca

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