Polling numbers show dissatisfaction with government’s handling of health issues

Government commissioned polling numbers show a trend over the last three polling periods that indicate people are not pleased with how the Williams Government is handling health care issues in this province, says Opposition Leader Yvonne Jones.

The Official Opposition recently obtained this year’s polling results under Access to Information legislation. Satisfaction with government’s performance in most categories remains consistent, except in health care where approximately 50 per cent of the people polled were not happy with government’s performance. The highest level of dissatisfaction was recorded in the spring when 54 per cent of people polled were either mostly or completely dissatisfied with government’s handling of health care.

“There is an obvious trend of dissatisfaction with this government’s record on managing health care and health care spending,” said Ms. Jones. “I encourage government to recognize this issue and commit to reviewing our health care system and identify where improvements can be made.”

Jones says the problems in the health department are evident by the number of issues that are raised on a daily and weekly basis. In addition, the significant turnover in ministerial oversight is creating instability within the department and contributing to the problem.

“The constant turnover of ministers in this department is certainly not providing reassurance to the public that everything is functioning as it should within our health care system. With the significant challenges brought about by health board restructuring and the Cameron Inquiry, government’s struggle to deal with the ensuing fallout is weakening confidence.  If ministers are unable to get a handle on their departments, the problems will continue to go unaddressed.

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