(April 12, 2022) – Pleaman Forsey, PC MHA for Exploits, and Chris Tibbs, PC MHA for Grand Falls-Windsor – Buchans, say the long simmering healthcare crisis in Central Newfoundland is now a rolling boil, as five healthcare centers in Central Newfoundland are poised to lose their last physicians.

“The people of Central Newfoundland are on the brink of the unimaginable. Tens of thousands of people across the region, from Fogo to Harbour Breton, will lose their doctors between now and June. The Liberal government’s inaction on our recruitment and retention crisis has gone on too long and soon it will be too late to make things right for our region,” said Forsey.

“Basic medical services will go away. Family medicine will become inaccessible, pushing the estimated 100,000 without a family doctor even higher. It started with the loss of 24 hour emergency services at the Dr. Hugh Twomey Health Care Centre, and now even more will be left with no where to turn. This is totally unacceptable and the Liberal Government still refuses to act.”

Forsey and Tibbs are calling on government to finally take action and help this impending disaster throughout Central Newfoundland.

“All we’ve heard from this government are empty words not backed up by action. There is no substitute for a health centre in rural communities. Virtual emergency rooms are a complement, not a replacement, for family doctors in our communities,” said Tibbs.

“The Liberal Government has been warned about this impending situation for years. They have refused to take action and solve this problem. My colleague and I are calling on government to take action, but we’re also calling on everyone in the region: write your MHA, tell your story, join us in sounding this alarm. It cannot go on like this, it cannot continue. We need to show this government that Central Newfoundland will not be forgotten.”

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Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Strategic Communications

(cell) 709-725-0984

DavidMaher@gov.nl.ca