"I have been advised that there is currently an enhanced home care program in place in the Corner Brook area that allows terminally ill patients to spend their last weeks at home," said Mr. Joyce. "This end of life program is based on a professional nursing assessment which is an enhancement to the acute care already offered by Health and Community Services Western.

"Western Memorial Regional Hospital has a palliative care program with an outreach component that provides extended health care services based on a referral from their family doctor. This program provides people with the opportunity to receive nursing services and other health requirements in their own home. It also provides assistance in securing home care services for the duration of a patients life.

"The Premier stated that this pilot palliative care program was a unique and innovative solution to ending the VON strike. I ask the Premier to clarify the purpose of the VON initiative. Is this pilot project going to replace the existing programs? Why were these programs not considered for enhancement and provide a more effective service to patients? How much money did the Premier commit to this project as the VON itself is not aware of the amount of funding they will receive?

"If the Premier’s only concern was to improve palliative care programs in the province, he should have consulted with the individuals already participating in existing programs. Obviously, the Premier made a political decision without doing any research to understand what existing programs were in place.

"While I am very pleased that the VON strike is over, I am very concerned over the process the Premier used. I have not seen any details with respect to this program. As a matter of fact, officials in the Department of Health recommended against the project as they were aware that their department already offered such services. Now that the Premier has committed to this pilot project, he should ensure that all existing programs be included or enhanced through this initiative."