Opposition demands details on health care changes
Priority is better access, care for patients across P.E.I., says health minister
P.E.I.'s Opposition Progressive Conservatives are pressing the government for details on health care cuts and changes.
The province has announced major changes to health care, including focusing acute-care beds at P.E.I.'s two main hospitals in Charlottetown and Summerside.
Services at other hospitals will be downgraded, especially for overnight emergencies.
Friday in the legislature, Opposition house leader Hal Perry asked Health Minister Doug Currie why he didn't consult with staff and communities before announcing these sweeping changes.
"They did not consult with anybody in the community. The staff found out about the changes on Facebook. That's so shameful and so disrespectful," said Perry.
Currie said although services will not be eliminated, the changes will impact the type of services offered.
"Our priority and focus is making sure that we have better access, better care for patients all across Prince Edward Island," said Currie.
"It's not about Charlottetown. It's not about Summerside. It's about a population base of 140,000 … and we're fortunate to have the assets we have in these communities all across Prince Edward Island."
The province plans to hold a series of information meetings across the province, starting Saturday.