MLA not happy with lengthy ER closure

The announcement that the Northside General is closing permanently shook this community to its very core.

We don’t know when our hospital will shut its doors for good we’re all left in limbo. I know this still really hasn’t sunk in yet for the families and seniors of our community.

If the permanent closure wasn’t bad enough, we’ve just been handed more bad news. The McNeil government has announced the ER at the Northside General hospital will be closed until Sept. 4.

Cape Breton health care is in crisis. We are already facing a doctor shortage - we have been for some time. The other ERs are filled to the brim and people tell me that they would sooner be in discomfort than wait hours in the Cape Breton Regional. This is dangerous. Symptoms can be a sign of something serious and people are going unchecked.

It’s also summer time. People are hitting the open road and, unfortunately, accidents happen. The distance between the Northside and the Cape Breton Regional very well may be the difference between life and death.

As well, I can’t recall a summer this warm or humid. Conditions like heat stroke, sunburns and dehydration are an ever-looming concern and can be serious. This affects everyone, especially our older population who may have no choice but to stay inside, often in hot, poorly ventilated homes.

I truly wonder if this is the Liberal government’s plan: say it will only be for a month and just never reopen. Now, perhaps more than ever is the time for that transparent and open government the Liberals promised at election time.

I’ve repeatedly asked the premier what he is going to do about the Cape Breton health crisis. His silence speaks volumes.