Government considers operating St. Therese Hospital
Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Chesterfield Inlet (Feb 19/01) - While the future of St. Therese Hospital in Chesterfield Inlet is still undecided, the health minister is concerned about patient care .
"While I appreciate the economic implications to the hamlet of Chesterfield Inlet, the number one priority for me is ensuring the (eight) patients are properly cared for," said Ed Picco.
The hospital's operational contract with the Hudson Bay/Churchill Diocese expires April 1. Bishop Reynald Rouleau has told the Nunavut Government the Diocese will not be renew its contract.
He says the announcement took his department completely by surprise.
Picco says Chesterfield Inlet senior administrative officer, Darren Ritter, told him of the situation after receiving a letter from the bishop in January.
"About 10 days after the hamlet received its letter, we received information from the bishop indicating he would be withdrawing from the operation of the facility," says Picco.
He says the short notice means the NG has to do a lot of work in a relatively short period of time.
He adds that if at all possible, the NG would like to see the eight patients remain in the same community or, at least, the same region.
"We could accommodate the majority of them at the Baker Lake facility if it comes to that, but it's too early for me to have a handle on any sort of contingency plan to keep the hospital open in Chesterfield.
"We need to compile more logistical and financial background information before I can say, 'Yes, we're going to assume the running of a $500,000 facility.'"
Picco says although the ongoing care of the patients is his first concern, he is also considering the economic impacts for the hamlet.
"I will be meeting with the hamlet of Chesterfield Inlet in the near future to ascertain the dollar value of the program being operated there. Once I have the full picture in front of me, I will announce my decision."
