(March 27, 2023, St. John’s) – Barry Petten, PC Official Opposition House Leader and MHA for Conception Bay South, says he’s disappointed to see Conception Bay South (CBS), among the fastest-growing communities in Newfoundland and Labrador, left out of the provincial budget.

“The town of Conception Bay South and surrounding communities have been among the fastest-growing population centres in the province for years now. Yet, when it comes to healthcare, the region is being forgotten by the Liberal Government,” said Petten.

“There was no family care team announced for the region. The proposed urgent care clinic does not include CBS in its catchment area. With a lack of family doctors and public transit in the region, almost 30,000 residents will have little choice but to head to the emergency room for non-emergency care.”

Petten says the region needs greater support for the healthcare needs of residents.

“If the point of these teams and urgent care clinics is to ease pressure on emergency rooms, then there’s no reason CBS should be forgotten through these initiatives. Yet, the Liberal Government doesn’t seem to agree. It’s not acceptable and means more uncertainty in healthcare for residents in the area,” said Petten.

“Access to healthcare is paramount and right now the people of CBS are left with little choice outside of a lengthy, needless stay in an emergency room. It’s time for the Liberal Government to prioritize healthcare in the region and ensure the seniors and young families in the area have the access they need to healthcare.”

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Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Strategic Communications

(cell) 709-725-0984

DavidMaher@gov.nl.ca