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Stanton cuts on hold

Glen Vienneau
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Oct 25/00) - Health minister Jane Groenewegen is withdrawing support for spending cuts at the Stanton Regional Hospital.

"We've realized that there may have been a gap in the consultation process," Groenewegen said after revisiting the hospital's plan to amalgamate the surgery and pediatric wards.

Groenewegen said based on initial information, the proposed cuts made "a lot of sense." The department did not see the board's proposal as affecting patient services.

As well, the Stanton Regional Health Board has put its plans to merge hospital wards on hold until it meets with staff at the hospital.

Earlier this month, surgeons and nursing staff were outraged to learn the hospital board's plan to merge the wards.

The board said the move would slash $350,000 from the $1.3 million deficit the hospital is currently facing.

Dr. Chris Blewett told Yellowknifer that the news had devastated hospital staff because they had received no warning of the plan.

Larry Elkin, chairperson of the hospital board, said the plan to amalgamate wards has been put on hold until staff are allowed input.

"That has been delayed until we get further input from the medical staff," Elkin said, adding, "The board always intended input from the appropriate staff."

Elkin said the meetings with staff are expected to continue throughout the week.