Jason Unrau
Northern News Services
Wednesday, February 21, 2007

YELLOWKNIFE - Whether it was hyperbole, reality, or a combination, Hay River South MLA Jane Groenewegen's assessment of conditions at Stanton Territorial Hospital were less-than-flattering following a visit with her daughter-in-law, who had recently given birth there.

Last week in the legislative assembly, Groenewegen complained of a waiting room full of dead plants and compared the curtains in her daughter-in-law's room to those one might find on "skid row."

Stanton CEO Sylvia Haener would later respond to Groenewegen's claims during a radio interview on a local radio station, which aired on Valentine's Day.

"After hearing the comments, I did go down to the unit and take a look around and I certainly didn't notice those things (and) neither did other staff that went and looked as well," said Haener.

As for the dead plants, Haener said they were all "well-watered and fairly green" but looking a bit "leggy" as plants often do during the low-light winter months.

Following the broadcast, Groenewegen wasted little time in firing back from the floor of the assembly.

"I do not appreciate being contradicted by somebody who works there," said the Hay River South MLA in reference to Haener's radio interview. "That is a challenge to my credibility and is a contradiction of what I stood and said in this house."

Groenewegen went on to say that, "There was blood on the wall...(and) a plastic bottle in the delivery room from the previous patient covered with blood."

Health Minister Floyd Roland, who declined Groenewegen's invitation to inspect the hospital with her, told Yellowknifer that quarterly performance reviews were underway for custodial, janitorial and food services. Any shortcomings in those contract areas would be addressed, he said.

"With all the issues raised in the house they are paying particular attention to (the janitorial) contract," Roland assured.

Range Lake MLA Sandy Lee, whose riding includes Stanton Territorial Hospital, was reluctant to comment noting the matter was, "not about personalities but about the issue (of cleanliness)."

"The building is aging and the government has not been keeping up with the cost of, well, keeping up," she said.

"Definitely the facility needs attention and to be fair I have been hearing about (its) cleanliness. It's a concern from a number of my constituents who have raised the issue."