Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. On an ill-fated day in 2009, Allisdair Leishman was brought by ambulance to the emergency ward at Stanton Hospital. He was suffering from hypothermia and experiencing a psychiatric episode. Left unattended, the distressed patient made his way into the unlocked kitchen, got a hold of a knife and managed to severely injure himself. Allisdair was left with permanent physical and cognitive impairments.
One momentary breach of care in security forever altered Allisdair’s life and the lives of his family members. Allisdair lost his ability to support himself and provide child support for his young daughter. Within a short time the bank foreclosed on Allisdair’s home. Since the incident, Allisdair’s mother, Margaret, has been carrying the lion’s share of grief and burden.
The Department of Health and Social Services never offered an apology or formal compensation. Margaret has had to find her own financial means to travel back and forth to visit and care for her son who lives at Stanton’s extended care unit. Despite the fact that a specialist in Edmonton has prescribed a range of rehabilitative services, Allisdair’s care at Stanton Hospital is very limited. Margaret has been left to scrutinize the situation and plead for improvements. The family has written to the department, stating that Allisdair’s health issues are not being adequately dealt with and that the lack of care amounts to neglect. The department has not responded.
Understandably, the family is not satisfied and wonders if the department has something to hide. I have to admit, my thoughts run in that direction too.
Allisdair’s family wants to see him living with more dignity and comfort and provided with a full range of rehabilitation services. Today I will call on the department to respond to these requests.
Thank you, Mr. Nadli. The Member for Inuvik Boot Lake, Mr. Moses.
