(December 16, 2021) – Barry Petten, MHA for Conception Bay South, says he’s hopeful the Liberal government will remember rural Newfoundland and Labrador when opening future Collaborative Care Clinics.

“The Liberal government needs to remember there’s more to Newfoundland and Labrador than what’s inside the overpass. The two new collaborative clinics announced by the Department of Health and Community in St. John’s are welcome news, but government needs to remember more rural parts of the province when planning their healthcare initiatives,” said Petten.

“The district of Conception Bay South represents a large swath of rural communities, and the town of Conception Bay South is the second largest municipality in the province. Bringing innovative healthcare services into these parts of the province is important to ensuring equity of healthcare service throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.”

Petten says he was encouraged by recent consultation with the Health Accord team recognizing the unique challenges in Conception Bay South and surrounding region. While he’s hopeful for the Accord’s long-term plan, Petten says immediate solutions are needed in more rural parts of Newfoundland and Labrador.

“There is no acute care facility in Conception Bay South, which puts extra pressure on healthcare delivery in the region. Sharing the collaborative team approach to healthcare throughout Newfoundland and Labrador is an important step towards fixing the healthcare crisis the Liberal government has allowed in our province,” said Petten.

“The 2021 PC Blue Book commits to bringing these team services throughout Newfoundland and Labrador and I encourage the Liberal government to match that commitment. Where is the plan to ensure these Collaborative Team Clinics are spread throughout our province, so equitable healthcare can be offered to everyone in Newfoundland and Labrador?”

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Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Strategic Communications

(cell) 709-725-0984

DavidMaher@gov.nl.ca