Why has new x-ray machine for Deer Lake clinic been put on hold?

In light of government’s recent announcements of x-ray and lab closures in the province, government must provide an update on their plans to upgrade x-ray equipment for the Deer Lake clinic, something that was announced in the last provincial budget but still is not in place.  Opposition Leader Yvonne Jones is questioning whether these delays have anything to do with the ongoing lab and x-ray review taking place in the province.

“We are concerned that the planned upgrades to x-ray services at the Deer Lake clinic have been put on hold and the future of the service is uncertain,” said Ms. Jones. “Government must be up front and explain their plans as it relates to this clinic. Is the lab and x-ray review impacting the establishment of x-ray services, and if so, what is the future of these services in Deer Lake?”

Jones is also expressing concerns about recent comments by Humber Valley MHA Daryl Kelly who stated that he is waiting for the final report of the lab and x-ray review before intervening in the process. She says the residents of Deer Lake and surrounding areas who use these services on a daily basis are concerned and feel that intervention is what is needed, not the wait and see approach currently being used by the local MHA.

“I have spoken with people in Deer Lake and surrounding communities who feel threatened by government’s lab and x-ray review and the impact it could have on their services.  If lab and x-ray services are going to be impacted in this area, government must advise the people immediately. It’s time for the local MHA, the Minister of Health and the Premier to remove the cloak of secrecy surrounding this review and listen to the people. Playing games with tender calls and suspending planned x-ray upgrades at local clinics will only raise more suspicions that cuts are coming.”

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