Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. The people in my riding are grateful when they can receive medical services in their small and remote communities. I’m really happy that doctors travel about every six weeks to small and isolated places like Trout Lake. What a precious opportunity to give our elders and children the best of care.
I’m sorry to say that we’re not fully making use of this opportunity. The doctor comes to Trout Lake, but residents are turned away if they don’t have a prior appointment. These are the elders and children.
I think, last week or a couple weeks ago in this House, Mr. Yakeleya spoke about chasing patients away from the small and remote communities when the doctors are there. It’s not always easy to anticipate when you’ll need to see a doctor and make an appointment. Think of it, Mr. Speaker. The doctor’s there, the patients are there, but the patients can’t see the doctor. How frustrating for the people of Trout Lake and people in all our small and remote communities when they’re waiting for that opportunity. Perhaps we can plan to have the doctor to stay overnight so that everyone can be seen. These days we invested lots of money into electronic medical records. Visiting doctors should be able to access walk-in patients’ files.
I will have questions for the Minister of Health and Social Services on making more effective use of visiting doctors during question period today.
Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. The Member for Hay River North, Mr. Bouchard.
