Debates of November 28, 2007 (day 4)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question today is for the Minister of Health and Social Services. In my Member’s statement, I mentioned the space issues at Stanton and the fact that there’s limited space which affects both patient care and staff morale. Have they pursued any opportunities to find space for the staff at Stanton? Have they taken any direction to resolve some of the space issues at Stanton Territorial Hospital?

Thank you, Mr. Abernethy. The honourable Minister responsible for Health and Social Services, Ms. Lee.

Return To Question 36-16(1): Space Issues At Stanton Territorial Hospital

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the space issues at the hospital I acknowledge impact on the treatment services for the patients as well as for staff. It’s something that’s been brought up, I believe, in the latest human resource review process. I have visited the facility recently, as Minister, and I can attest to that fact as well. I can advise the Member, Mr. Speaker, that there has been an RFP issued to look at the space issues and the report of that RFP, the contract work done, we’re hoping will be concluded by April of next year. They’ve been asked to focus specifically on seven areas of the hospital that require special attention: a medical daycare, emergency, ICU, diagnostic imaging section, as well as rehab and some others. We are looking for the results of that in April and I’m hoping, with the support of the Assembly here, to see if we could incorporate it into a master plan for the hospital. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Ms. Lee. Supplementary, Mr. Abernethy.

Supplementary To Question 36-16(1): Space Issues At Stanton Territorial Hospital

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Minister of Health and Social Services, has any thought been given to removing some of the administrative functions from the hospital itself? I often wonder if the need for finance, if they actually need to be in the building; and they actually do take up a fair amount of space within the building. Do they need to be located there? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Abernethy. Ms. Lee.

Further Return To Question 36-16(1): Space Issues At Stanton Territorial Hospital

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As indicated, there is someone looking at this situation and I’m sure they will be looking at that sort of question as well. If that’s what will come out of that, we will certainly consider that information. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.