St. John’s, N.L. (December 20, 2024) – Pleaman Forsey, Progressive Conservative MHA for Exploits, is expressing deep concern about the state of health care in rural Newfoundland and Labrador following the recent announcement by Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services (NLHS) regarding emergency services in the Central Zone over the holiday season.

According to NLHS, emergency services will include virtual ER options at several locations, alongside temporary closures of the Lewisporte Health Centre on two occasions between December 20, 2024, and January 3, 2025. Forsey fears this will increase the strain on emergency services at the Central Newfoundland Regional Health Centre in Grand Falls-Windsor.

“These temporary closures and diversions to virtual ERs are glaring signs of a health care system under immense strain,” said Forsey. “Wait times of 8 to 10 hours are already being reported in Grand Falls-Windsor, and this added pressure will only make things worse. After nine years of Liberal government, this is their record on health care in rural Newfoundland and Labrador. They ignored repeated warnings about an impending health care shortage crisis, and now residents are bearing the brunt of their inaction.”

Forsey underscored the Progressive Conservative Party’s commitment to proactive planning and improving health care access, emphasizing the need to expand the role of nurse practitioners in delivering primary health care throughout the province.

“Virtual care will never replace face-to-face care,” added Forsey.

“The Liberal government’s quick-fix mechanisms are putting lives at risk instead of addressing the underlying issues with recruitment and retention. People are tired of the photo ops and ribbon cuttings. We need urgent and immediate action to stabilize physician access in Central Newfoundland. The Furey Liberals’ failure on physician recruitment and retention is risking lives.”

A Progressive Conservative government will focus on building a sustainable health care system, ensuring residents of Newfoundland and Labrador receive the care they need, when and where they need it.