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George Sweeney, Opposition Critic for Government Services and MHA for the
District of Carbonear-Harbour Grace, is very disappointed that a long-term
care facility proposed for Conception Bay North was not included in this
year’s budget. "A long-term care facility for the Carbonear-Conception Bay
North area was designated as a number one priority in 2002 by an independent
assessment committee," said Sweeney. "This area ranked equal to Corner Brook
as needing a facility of this kind to help improve the quality of lives of
our seniors. It now appears that government has revamped the long-term care
priority list, for whatever reason, and seniors in this area have to pay the
price.
"I have asked several times why this facility has apparently dropped off
the radar screen and no one seems to be able to provide a response. I can
only assume this was a politically based decision. With our health care
board now including St. John’s, it appears that we are an insignificant
player in the board’s planning and proceedings.
"Once again, the needs of rural Newfoundland and Labrador are being
compromised. We have seen that the Williams’ government is not fully
standing up for rural areas and not making the investments that are
required. When you consider that other aspects of health care are seriously
deteriorating throughout the Conception Bay North area, we should all be
concerned about the long-term implications of this momentum towards rural
dislocation.
"Not only do I challenge the Premier to ensure our health care services
are stabilized and even enhanced, I also call upon citizens and leaders in
our region to make their voices heard about this important issue. We have to
stand united against the rural drain that is slowly taking place throughout
our communities and our province."
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