Government’s failure to recruit an infectious disease control specialist to deal with illnesses, including the potential of pandemic of the H1N1 virus, is very discouraging and again shows the lack of action from this government in dealing with priority health issues, says Opposition Leader Yvonne Jones. The issue was raised earlier today in the House of Assembly.

“Government has indicated that preparations are being made to address concerns related to the H1N1 virus, however, the province has been without a permanent infectious disease specialist for adults since March of this year,” said Ms. Jones. “Should a serious outbreak of the H1N1 virus occur, the expertise of such a specialist would be critically important. Government’s failure to fill this position is again cause for concern, especially if this province faces a pandemic in the coming months. It is fine for government to suggest we are prepared, however, these gaps demonstrate that we are not.”

Jones also pointed out that there are approximately 80,000 students going back to school this week in our province and we only have one pediatrician at the Janeway who specializes in infectious diseases among children.

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