Delta MLA David Krutko calls for a public inquiry into TB death, raises questions about quality of health care
Northern News Services
Yellowknife (Feb 12/01) - A public inquiry must be called into the death of Effie Blake, says Mackenzie Delta MLA David Krutko.
"I'm definitely making an issue out of this," said Krutko, MLA for the Mackenzie Delta.
Blake, a 52-year-old teacher, died last summer of tuberculosis that went undiagnosed at the Inuvik Regional Hospital and the Fort McPherson Health Centre.
"I'm asking the Health Minister (Jane Groenewegen) when the house opens if she'll consider a public inquiry," said Krutko.
"If she says no, I'll ask why," he said.
Blake, a Fort McPherson teacher, spent five weeks at the Inuvik hospital but was not diagnosed with tuberculosis until she was transferred to Yellowknife. She died in an Edmonton hospital last July.
Blake's family has called for a public inquiry.
They believe Blake should still be alive.
"I really would like an inquiry," said Blake's youngest daughter Maria Blake in an interview last Tuesday.
"It makes me sick the way they treat people here. When someone goes (to the hospital) for a medical opinion they should find out what is wrong," she said.
Groenewegen would not comment on the possibility of a public inquiry until her department receives a report it has commissioned from TB expert.
Dr. Anne Fanning of the University of Alberta Hospital is expected to deliver a report this month.
The report is not a public document but Andre Corriveau, chief medical officer for the NWT, said some parts will released.
"All recommendations and responses will be made public," said Corriveau.
Until the report arrives, Groenewegen said there's not much the department can do.
"All I can say is we are very concerned about what happened," said Groenewegen.
"We want to look into it. Many injuries and diseases in the territory are preventable," she said.
Groenewegen should expect to face heat from Krutko when the legislature resumes sitting.
"We are on life support system until we improve services," said Krutko.
"I support (the family's) case for a public inquiry," he said.
