MEDIA RELEASE: Liberal Government Heightens Health Care Crisis by Leaving More Nova Scotians Stranded

NSGEU President Jason MacLean joins Cape Breton families, seniors and health care workers with shock and anger at today’s Liberal government announcement that the Northside Consolidated Hospital and New Waterford General Hospital will close and be replaced with Community Health Centres.

“When was the community consulted for this plan?” asks Mr. MacLean. “The community shouldn’t have to hear that their local hospitals are closing by turning on the news.”

Staff and patients were also left in the dark when details emerged this morning.

“People who count on those hospitals deserved much better today and sounds of their displeasure were clear during the press conference. It was obvious they were blindsided,” says MacLean.

Details for such an important announcement, impacting so many people, were lacking any clarity or substance. Basic questions like:

*        When will this take place?

*        What will be the impact on workers?

*        Are there any “new” Long Term Care spaces being created?

These questions were dodged and avoided by the Nova Scotia Health Authority and the Premier’s remarks did little to relieve fear or provide any clear path for the future.

“The Liberals put the government spin machine into overdrive to create a flashy video and new website. But they did nothing to alleviate the fears and consequences of shutting the doors on hospitals that many families depend on for care and workers count of for employment,” says MacLean.

“Cape Bretoners are hardworking people and to have their voices left out of the process is shameful. It’s clear that this Liberal government isn’t interested in what people on the island have to say about this. Today’s announcement, while flashy, has left more questions than answers. But there is one thing for certain, every community in Nova Scotia must now be asking themselves: are we next?”

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The Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union represents over 30,000 women and men who provide quality public services Nova Scotians count on every day.

For more information, please contact:

Lucas Wide

NSGEU Communications Officer

902-424-4063 (office)  902-497-5010 (cell)

877-556.7438 (toll free) communications@nsgeu.ca