(December 9, 2022, St. John’s) – David Brazil, PC Official Opposition Leader and MHA for Conception Bay East-Bell Island, says he’s concerned by the massive influx of children to the Janeway’s emergency department and barriers in place preventing doctors from providing relief to the situation.

“The situation unfolding at the Janeway is extraordinary and difficult for the families just trying to seek care for their children. What’s frustrating is we knew this wave of respiratory viruses was coming to our province – yet it appears barriers are in place from government preventing more emergency room doctors to help the situation at the Janeway,” said Brazil.

Earlier this week, the NLMA said they was aware of other emergency doctors who would be willing to provide emergency care at the Janeway, but the work is not “supported” by government.

“Now is a moment where barriers must be pushed aside in the name of protecting the hundreds of children and the families who are enduring the stress of illness at a chaotic time. The NLMA says barriers exist to getting more emergency room doctors at the Janeway,” said Brazil.

“The doctors are willing, but Minister Osborne is apparently content to allow the chaos at the Janeway to continue. We knew this wave was coming, as we saw other parts of Canada deal with it weeks ago. The lack of preparation and lack of support for doctors by this government is putting children and their families at risk. It’s simply not acceptable.”

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Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Strategic Communications

(cell) 709-725-0984

DavidMaher@gov.nl.ca