‘I’m shocked, angry and worried’
Residents react to announced closure of New Waterford hospital
News of hospital closures in New Waterford and North Sydney has local residents in shock.
“They completely shocked us and frightened us about this sudden news,” said Janette MacKinnon, a member of the board of directors of the Mount Carmel Society.
“I didn’t know anything about this. There was no warning whatsoever. I was shocked they never gave us enough respect to bring this out earlier. I’m shocked, angry and worried.”
MacKinnon said they had been fighting for 20 years for a new community health centre.
“Premier Stephen McNeil announced down at the KOC about three years ago that it was coming soon along with the dialysis unit over in Glace Bay. Nothing has taken place and we can’t find any information regarding it.”
As well MacKinnon said it was also made clear during that announcement that the New Waterford hospital wouldn’t be closing.
“Now this sudden heartbreaking news that our New Waterford Consolidated Hospital is going to close.”
MacKinnon said she’s worried about a lack of care for seniors with the shortage of doctors and nurses and more upcoming retirements.
“My sister is 80 years old and has had a number of falls already and trips to the Glace Bay and (Cape Breton) Regional hospitals mean a 6-8-9 hour wait.”
On Monday, the premier and Nova Scotia Health Authority president and CEO Janet Knox announced the hospital closures along with the fact that community health centres and long-term care facilities will be built in both communities.
Expansions to emergency departments at the Cape Breton Regional and Glace Bay Hospital were also announced. Dave Fraser of New Waterford was also shocked at the news.
“I was at Tim Hortons this morning and they were all talking about it. What are we going to do about blood work and other things? If someone gets hurt at the power plant where are they going to go?
“When you do get in (at the regional in Sydney) you have to wait five-six hours then you’re told you have to see a specialist. They don’t want to do anything
for you. This is not good. “
At Needs on Emerald Street, Leslie Fraser said customers were talking about the news and are shocked.
“I heard about it before the announcements, a gentleman came in at 8 a.m. this morning (Monday).”
Fraser was equally surprised by the news but said there is a doctor shortage, especially in the emergency rooms.
“More doctors will be retiring soon, it’s going to get worse.”
Paula Rizzo, who has worked in housekeeping at the New Waterford hospital, was also floored by the news.
“I didn’t know and I worked (Sunday) night,” she said. “None of my co-workers and the nurses — no one knew.”
“We just had new renovations done (at the hospital), a new sprinkler system put in, all our beds are filled, we’re a busy hospital.”
Rizzo said if something urgent happens someone will have to go to the regional and it’s already jammed-packed there.
As far as jobs go, she said they know they’ll be bumped but don’t know where yet. They have to worry about their casuals as some have been there 20 years, she added.
“Some don’t have vehicles or means to get to Sydney or somewhere else.”
Michael MacLeod of New Waterford, who was working in the convenience store at Robin’s coffee shop on Emerald Street, said the news was shocking.
“We’re not happy,” he said. “We’ve been hearing this for 20 years but no one really thought it would ever happen.”
MacLeod said customers coming in were talking about it and are “very upset.”
“It’s a seniors’ community and many don’t have the transportation to go to Glace Bay or Sydney,” he said. “That’s what I’m hearing today.”
MacLeod said half of New Waterford hospital is currently long-term care.
“Whether (it) becomes a full (long-term care) facility, we’ll see what happens.”