(February 9, 2023, St. John’s) – Pleaman Forsey, MHA for Exploits, says he continues to hear from families in Central Newfoundland who are waiting for long-term care beds for loved ones – but 30 unstaffed beds in the two new long-term care facilities are only increasing the wait.

“A quarter of the new long-term care beds in the two facilities in Grand Falls-Windsor and Gander remain empty because of the Liberal Government’s failure to ensure adequate staffing. These beds are sorely needed and mean a backlog in our hospitals as patients wait for long-term care beds,” said Forsey.

“It’s hard on the families, it’s hard on the patients, and it means more and more strain on a healthcare system in Central Newfoundland already deep in crisis. Not only have we seen delay after delay in getting the facilities open, we continue to see backlogs due to short staffing. It’s unacceptable to the families who need care for their loved ones.”

Forsey says the healthcare crisis in Central Newfoundland risks escalating without action from government.

“Family doctors in my district continue to leave without any plan from the government to ensure a replacement is ready. Emergency rooms are seeing slashed hours or closures for days at a time. Now we see long-term care beds sitting empty,” said Forsey.

“The people of Exploits and throughout Central Newfoundland need assurances their issues are being heard by the Liberal Government, but it seems their concerns are being forgotten. It’s time for action to recruit and retain healthcare professionals to ensure healthcare is accessible in Central Newfoundland.”

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Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Strategic Communications

(cell) 709-725-0984

DavidMaher@gov.nl.ca