Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. On April 27th the keys to the new Fort Providence Health Centre were handed over to the Deh Cho Health and Social Services Authority. The facility cost around $11 million to build and is quite a bit larger than the old health centre. Work on the building has been underway since 2013, so I’m really excited to see it finally open to the public. On June 16, a grand opening ceremony will be held to mark the completion of the work. I’m told it will reflect Aboriginal culture and tradition, so I’m very pleased about that too.
I’d like to ask my constituents to claim a sense of ownership at the new health centre. I’d also like to see the government working collaboratively with Deh Cho residents to bring in the types of programs and services that they would like to see and benefit from. I think it would be an improvement to include an assessment of the programs and services likely being offered and what new ones might be suitable.
For example, will the new facility be a space that integrates the physical, mental, spiritual and cultural needs of the residents? What attention will be given to the management of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer? Will there be workshops to get people getting better and getting more exercise? Will there be space set aside for the 12-step meetings and other activities to assist people who are struggling with addictions? Will a registered nurse be based in the health centre to lead the expansion of home care services? Will an accurate needs assessment be completed for all the elders who currently or will soon need home care and assisted living services? What efforts will be made to fill the vacant and hard to fill positions in the Deh Cho region?
Surely a brand new health centre will make the region more attractive for health care providers.
Later I will pose some of these questions to the Minister of Health and Social Services. Mahsi.
Thank you, Mr. Nadli. Member for Hay River North, Mr. Bouchard.
