Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Earlier this session I did a statement on nursing in Tsiigehtchic. I have questions today for the Minister of Health and Social Services.
I would like an update on the nurse that was committed to in this Chamber last February. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Blake. The honourable Minister of Health and Social Services, Mr. Abernethy.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I indicated the week before last when I was asked similar questions, I have directed the department to do a review of the ISDM with respect to small communities and the types of supports we need to provide to those small communities, whether it is a nurse or some other mechanism to provide support that is appropriate to the communities. When that review is done, I would be happy to share it with the Member and committee. I am certainly looking for any input the Member may have. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
That was my next question. When will the department make necessary changes to their policy to allow a nurse to be placed in a community such as Tsiigehtchic? Thank you.
What we want to do is provide quality care to all the residents of the Northwest Territories. We want to make sure that our residents have access. I’m not going to presuppose the finding of the review of the ISDM, but we are looking for ways to improve the services that are provided in all of our communities. As I’ve indicated, we will be doing that review. I don’t have a timeline in front of me today, but I will get back to the Member with a bit more clarity on how long that review is going to take. I’m really interested in getting input from the Member as well as committee as we move forward with that review. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Back in I believe it was 2001 we did have a nurse in Tsiigehtchic that did work very well in the community. I think all we need to do is amend those policies to what we had in 2001 and that will fix the situation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Blake. More of a suggestion, but, Mr. Abernethy.
I appreciate the comment and I look forward to doing the review, as I’ve indicated. There is way more to it than adding in a nurse, or not adding, in a community. We need to make sure the liability issues are good; we need to make sure that safety is taken into consideration; we need to make sure the community is receiving the services they need and expect, so there are a number of things to consider. It’s not just a matter of saying yes, but I will work on it with the Member and committee and get back to the Member with additional information. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Abernethy. The honourable Member for Range Lake, Mr. Dolynny.
