TRURO: Progressive Conservative Leader Karen Casey is calling the nclosure of Lillian Fraser Memorial Hospital as a pre-emptive measure to a strike by hospital support staff a “crisis of the greatest magnitude.”
After speaking with Health Authority CEO Peter McKinnon, Casey says she is more than concerned about the health of the population.
“We are at the point of no return,” said Casey. “If this strike is allowed to happen, it will have a crippling effect on our entire region. I am looking at this not just as a politician, but as someone who is genuinely concerned about all residents in our region and the impact a strike could have on people who need the care.”
Casey respects that all DHAs are preparing contingency plans in the event of a strike, but believes the government needs to do more to avert strike action on Jan. 18. She is now demanding the Premier and Minister of Health step in to resolve the issue.
On Jan. 7, Casey sent a letter to the premier outlining her concerns and the “demobilizing effect a strike could have on our province.”
“This government is on a collision course and playing a very dangerous game at the expense of staff, families and patients,” she added.
“Why this government continues to put undue stress and hardship on the backs of our citizens is beyond me. What I can say is that I will do everything I can to support staff and patients.”