YOUNGER PRESSES NDP FOR MORE BEDS AT DARTMOUTH GENERAL
Date: Thursday October 15, 2009

(Halifax, NS) Today in question period, Dartmouth East Liberal MLA
Andrew Younger challenged the Minister of Health to find a solution to
the emergency room chaos currently gripping the Dartmouth General
Hospital.

“This morning, there were still 13 patients in the emergency room at
the Dartmouth General waiting for a hospital bed - that’s more than
were waiting yesterday,” explained Younger. “As we wait for this
government to act, the situation at Dartmouth General is getting
worse.”

Younger pointed out that the Dartmouth General has 20 per cent more
patients than beds and officials are now considering moving patients to
Sheet Harbour.

“All the beds are full, including 12 designated for palliative
patients,” Younger said. “Unfortunately, the crisis has reached a
point where discussions about cancelling surgeries are being held right
now.”

Minister of Health Maureen MacDonald offered little in response, citing
her government’s plan to open new beds in targeted locations next
year.

The Liberal MLA doesn’t believe that’s good enough.

“The Dartmouth General needs help today,” concluded Younger.
“Those hospital beds must be opened sooner rather than later. How
much longer will staff and patients of the Dartmouth General have to
wait before this Minister and her government act?”


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