Overwhelming response

Health Minister Jerome Kennedy got more than he bargained for.

He knew the priorities coming in, but the sheer size of the response at the Labrador West forum on health care held at Scout Lodge April 22 was overwhelming.

"I was surprised by the number of stories that I've heard and the consequences of the air ambulance system and the diagnostic equipment," explained Jerome Kennedy, Minister of Health and Community Services.

"What all of the people in this room did was highlight their love and their belief in their community and asked for government assistance. Whether we can or cannot address everything, time will tell."

He had a discussion with doctors from the community the following day regarding the CT issue.

"The one thing I do know is that we won't be installing a new CT scan in this hospital," he stated. "There was the issue raised tonight of a portable CT scanner; I would be willing to talk to the doctors and other people to see what is exactly involved in that."

Kennedy said that he will certainly consider utilization of chartered flights such as Quebec Air for transportation in case of medical emergencies.

"The numbers indicate at this point, at least I'm told by the experts who work in this area, that two planes and the utilization of charter planes will suffice," he said. "So at this stage there is no plan for a third air ambulance."

"I cannot tell you the impact that the meetings with these people has had on me," he added. "People who have lost loved ones in a system that has failed them, so I take all of that into account. But what we're trying to do is make decisions that are in the best interest of all residents of the province and we do feel at this point that the Happy Valley- Goose Bay plane will result in a much improved service to Labrador West."

"It's not a matter of how many people will have to die," explained Kennedy. "Because anytime anyone has to die it's unfortunate, but how can we utilize the resources that we have to best protect the interests of all our residents."

He said he would also meet with the Steelworkers the following day and predicted they might discuss the need for a good health care system to attract employees with new mines coming in.

Kennedy said the province is facing problems in attracting specialists and his government is looking at initiatives to entice people to live in the area.

When it comes to the new health care facility for Lab. West, he said he can set up meetings with people and councils to see if they have any ideas on getting it done quicker, because in the long run the government can save money.

"People here were pretty vocal, very emotional, very passionate, they were not afraid to state their opinions," explained Kennedy. "It was a difficult meeting, one in which I realized that there's a large amount of anger and frustration among the residents, and also that we're dealing with the emotional situation that is health care."

"I'm listening to what they have to say," he added. "We will take it all into account as we try to determine as a government how best to deliver health care services in this province as a whole."