April 11 2024, Oyster Bed): Michelle Neill, Leader of the Island New Democrats, is very concerned, as are many other Islanders, with the King government’s approach to give private long-term care operators $25 million dollars to open 54 beds for seniors across the Island.
“Following decades of Liberal and Conservative failure to address insufficient provision of public long-term care beds, Premier Dennis King has abandoned his government’s responsibility, and turned needed senior care over to the private sector, where the costs are higher”, stated Michelle Neill.
This Government’s neglect to provide appropriate long-term care capacity has left many Island seniors languishing in hospitals across the Island, which has blocked access to acute care for many in need.
Appropriate planning by King and his predecessors would have meant building or expanding existing publicly-owned long-term care facilities in communities close to where residents have lived with their families and neighbours.
The King government pays for a private ambulance service, out-sources nurses and other health care workers through expensive firms and has replaced much of our physician care with Maple video-contact with patients, and now is turning long-term care over to the private sector. All of these privatization tactics are costing Island taxpayers much more, and are padding the pockets of the shareholders of these companies instead of reinvesting these monies back into the PEI economy.
“It appears that King wants to cut corners, forcing seniors into private facilities where staff receive lower wages and where resources to care for the clients are reduced in favour of higher profits. Islanders who have contributed throughout their lives to the Province deserve better”, concludes Ms. Neill.
Michelle Neill, Leader
Island New Democrats