The Saskatchewan New Democrats again raised the issue of the new Moose Jaw hospital and the exclusion of the hyperbaric chamber from Union Hospital during Question Period Monday.
“Over 2,400 people have signed a letter (urging to keep the hyperbaric chamber) ... The Sask Party needs to listen to the people of this province and the people of Five Hills Health Region,” said John Nilson. “Will you reconsider the decision regarding the hyperbaric chamber?”
“We are listening to the people of Moose Jaw,” replied Dustin Duncan, the minister of health for Saskatchewan. “The people of Moose Jaw said they needed a new hospital.”
“Since 1997, the hyperbaric chamber has provided service for just over 200 people,” Duncan added, stating that the province is looking to provide the service in a different fashion and that local MLAs Warren Michelson and Greg Lawrence had come forward with letters and concerns of their constituents.
In an interview with the Times-Herald after Question Period, Nilson said he was surprised by the Minister’s statement.
“(Duncan) said very clearly that their Sask Party MLAs have been raising concerns, and he doesn’t listen to them either,” he said. “Not only is he not listening to the residents in Moose Jaw and southern Saskatchewan, he’s not even listening to his MLAs.”
Nilson said the issue is reflective of a government that isn’t functioning.
“I think it’s a reflection of a government that’s so convinced of what they are doing that they’re not listening when people complain,” he said.
“(The NDP) will very clearly press the issue of the hospital and making sure that it’s designed not just for present needs but needs for the next three, four or five decades,” said Nilson.
