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Potential Closure of Dartmouth General ICU Unacceptable |
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Written by NS Liberal Party
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Wednesday, 25 January 2006 |
Liberal Health Critic, Dave Wilson, is asking the Minister of Health why it's acceptable that the residents of Dartmouth may not have an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after March 1, 2006.
Recent reports indicate that the Intensive Care Unit at Dartmouth General may be downgraded to an intermediate care unit after March 1, 2006. An administrative decision that will not allow specialists to provide ICU coverage along with providing care to other patients has been cited as the reason for the imminent closure. If recruitment efforts of four specialists are successful, the ICU will remain open.
"It's absolutely ridiculous that we have four specialists ready to provide ICU coverage yet an administrative detail is preventing doctors from working," said Wilson. "Why is Minister MacIsaac unwilling to support these physicians?"
According to reports, the downgrading of the ICU will result in the inability to perform major surgeries and treat heart attack victims at the Dartmouth General. "If this is an issue of money, the Minister of Health should provide the resources necessary to enable the four specialists currently providing services to continue," added Wilson. "If an administrative change needs to be made, then make it."
Wilson believes that Minister MacIsaac needs to play a leadership role and ensure that the Dartmouth General continues to function as an acute care center. |
