Closure of Prince County Hospital ICU Highlights Concerns over Healthcare System
The recent closure of the intensive care unit (ICU) at Prince County Hospital in Summerside has raised significant concerns among Prince Edward Island residents. Island New Democratic leader, Michelle Neill has expressed frustration with the King Government’s continued negligence in addressing the province’s crumbling health care system. The closure, which occurred shortly after Health Minister Mark McLane assumed office, raises doubts about the government’s commitment to provide accessible and reliable healthcare services to Islanders.
Neill stated, “This ICU closure at Prince County Hospital is a clear indication of the King Government’s continued negligence to invest in and fix our public healthcare system. This isn’t a great start for Minister McLane.” The closure not only underscores the failure of the newly sworn-in Health Minister but also highlights the distressing practice of subjecting patients to precarious, long-distance transfers to Charlottetown when crucial services are removed.
These developments prompt concerns about the government’s neglect in spending all energies to hire public health professionals, and instead prefers to align with conservative policies of shuttering that has been seen in provinces such as Ontario and New Brunswick, where private health care services have gained traction.
The closure necessitates immediate action from Dennis King, including the consideration of expediting the licensing of foreign-trained health care professionals, especially those who already reside here on PEI. Islanders require a government that considers multiple solutions, instead of continuing down the path of a systemic dismantling of our public healthcare.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Michelle Neill at 902 218-1590 or info@ndppei.ca
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