Please note that this page is from our archives. There may be more up-to-date content about this topic on our website. Use our search engine to find out.
CORNER BROOK, NL – The provincial
government’s plan to have a private company design, build and operate a
dementia health unit on the west coast flies in the face of everything
government has been saying about protecting our health care system.
That assessment comes today from the Canadian Union of Public
Employees, after the Department took out ads on the weekend seeking
“Expressions of Interest” for the design, construction, maintenance and
operation of residential duplexes for dementia care in Corner Brook.
CUPE National Representative
Brian Farewell says, “Both the premier and Health Minister John Ottenheimer
have continuously preached their total commitment to a publicly-delivered
health care system. Now the province is ready to hand over subsidies to a
private sector company to run a health care facility and turn a profit.”
Meanwhile, CUPE Local 488
President Donna Ryan says, “There is a new long term care facility scheduled to
be built in Corner Brook that will be totally public. While we knew these dementia units were coming, there was no
indication whatsoever that they would be handed over to a for-profit company.
Adds Farewell, “Is the
premier now saying that because these residents are not totally dependent on
the care of others that a private system will suffice?”
For information:
Donna Ryan President
CUPE Local 488
(709) 632-0980 (Cell)
Brian Farewell
CUPE National Rep.
(709) 689-4761 (Cell)
John McCracken
CUPE Communications Rep.
(902) 455-4180 (o)