'This report has not been able to bear close scrutiny'

Letters to the Editor -

Dear Editor,

The delivery of health care is a primary concern for all people.

In the north the method of delivery becomes of paramount importance during times of crisis. This was the primary reason for the development of the air ambulance service by the International Grenfell Association in the 1950's. Today the appropriate delivery of health care has come under question because of the government's intention to implement the Drodge Report.

This report was made without the consultation of the people who deliver that care, nor with those most affected by it. It has become increasingly clear that the report was flawed in the most essential areas of statistics as well as consultation with those who are expert in the delivery of ambulance health care, namely those who provide that care in this area. This report has not been able to bear close scrutiny.

We are very aware of the deficiencies of service in LabradÓr. We are very aware that the government has not lived up to its responsibilities to many in this province in relation to health care. We are also aware that the solution is not to downgrade the service in one area to compensate for shortcomings in another.

While there appear to be underlying issues in the changes that are being implemented in the air ambulance service, the most important issues have to do with appropriate and timely delivery of care. Political and personal issues should not be part of the decision making process. The implementation of timely health care is the issue. We fear that this is not the case. The people most affected have not been given information about how this move will be of benefit to the people of the north.

This government's intended action has had the additional, unintended consequence of highlighting the lack of leadership of the Labrador-Grenfell Health Authority. The silence of the administrators of health care in our region has been deafening. We normally entrust the overarching management of health care to such an authority. Underlying that trust is the public belief that they will be good stewards of the resources and that they will work, advocate and safeguard the health care need of all citizens. This silence seriously erodes that trust.

As members of the St. Anthony and Area Ministerial, we call upon the government to initiate a new study that incorporates the elements that will insure an accurate and responsible course for the future of the air ambulance service. That interested stakeholders be a part of this revue such as community representatives, members of the air ambulance team, doctors, nurses, representatives from Labrador as well as the island to insure that this study is unbiased and fair.

Sincerely,

The St. Anthony and Area Ministerial Association

Representing:

The Pentecostal Congregation of St. Anthony

The United Church Pastoral Charges of St. Anthony and Raleigh-Griquet

The Salvation Army Congregation of St. Anthony

The Anglican Congregations of St. Anthony and Cook's harbour