Debates of February 11, 2005 (day 34)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question today is addressed to the Minister of Health and Social Services, Mr. Miltenberger, and it is regarding the medical services in the Sahtu, especially for the people in Colville Lake. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the government's support in terms of assisting with the set-up of the Sahtu Health Board Authority in our region. However, in the meantime, the people of Colville Lake are worried about the health services they are receiving today. There was a doctor's visit scheduled for Colville Lake; however, there were mechanical problems and the doctor couldn't get into Colville Lake. So they are very concerned that this kind of situation will continue and they won't be able to see a doctor for a while. Can the Minister assure the people of Colville Lake that no matter what, a doctor will come into Colville Lake and see them? Otherwise, it will be another six months or so before a doctor gets into Colville Lake. Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. The honourable Minister of Health and Social Services, Mr. Miltenberger.

Return To Question 367-15(3): Medical Services In Colville Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I understand that arrangements are being made to reschedule the visit that, unfortunately, had to be cancelled for a number of reasons, as the Member indicated. So, yes, we will take the steps necessary to ensure that they don't have to wait six months to see a doctor. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Supplementary, Mr. Yakeleya.

Supplementary To Question 367-15(3): Medical Services In Colville Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Minister. The people in Colville Lake will appreciate hearing that, no matter what, the doctor will be coming into Colville Lake to see them. Could the Minister give the House an update on the medical services that will hopefully be improved for Colville Lake, in terms of the medical equipment and supplies that they are lacking for services that they could be receiving? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. Mr. Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 367-15(3): Medical Services In Colville Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, there have been inventories done of all the community health centres in terms of the needs they have for medical equipment, and there has been money identified in the budget to help address those needs. In addition, I would point out that there is also money in the budget for a public health unit to be established in the Sahtu, as well, which should give greater access to public health care which is currently available only through the Inuvik office. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Supplementary, Mr. Yakeleya.

Supplementary To Question 367-15(3): Medical Services In Colville Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, last year the people in Colville Lake had an outbreak of TB, and they were very thankful that, in an emergency such as that, we had a lot of attention from the Department of Health and Social Services in terms of having staff come into the community. Now that the scare is gone, the staff have left Colville Lake and they want to see if there's a possibility of having regular visits by the nursing station in Fort Good Hope on a more regular basis. They are coming into Colville; however, they are making a quick turnaround in three or four hours and then they're back into the community of Fort Good Hope or Norman Wells. So they want to know if the medical staff can stay at least a day or so longer in Colville. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. Mr. Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 367-15(3): Medical Services In Colville Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, that's a scheduling issue and there's capacity within the Sahtu region to look at that. We have staff there who are looking at that delivery, as well as we have some staff in Inuvik. The Member raises a point that is a scheduling issue. There is some capacity, so that will have to be investigated. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Miltenberger. Final supplementary, Mr. Yakeleya.

Supplementary To Question 367-15(3): Medical Services In Colville Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Could I ask the Minister if he would commit to ensuring that medical health services can or will be staying at least one day in Colville Lake? Not three or four hours, but at least assure us they can stay overnight to ensure that the people are receiving medical services like the rest of the communities in the Northwest Territories? Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Yakeleya. Mr. Miltenberger.

Further Return To Question 367-15(3): Medical Services In Colville Lake

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I will be making sure that the staff in Sahtu and Inuvik are aware of the very clear request from Colville Lake through the Member, and we'll look at what's possible when they're doing their scheduling to see how they could best accommodate that request. Thank you.