LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON
Participants in a public meeting in Fort Simpson last month heard a frank review of the territory's health system, both the good and the bad, from Glen Abernethy, who didn't shy away from addressing things that he says need to be changed.

Glen Abernethy, the minister of health and social services, left, responds to a question from a Fort Simpson resident while Nahendeh MLA Kevin Menicoche listens on during a public meeting in the village on Jan. 30. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

Abernethy, the minister of health and social services, fielded questions on Jan. 30 in the village's community hall.

The current system with regional authorities and medical travel were among the most discussed topics.

The Department of Health and Social Services is looking at ways to change the system so care will be seamless throughout the territory, said Abernethy, who has been the department's minister for three months. The current system, which includes eight regional authorities, has barriers that are preventing people from getting the care they need, he said.

Abernethy compared the authorities to silos, which don't share staff, purchasing power or equipment. Some authorities have strong programs in areas like diabetes care, while others do not, he said. Right now the authorities are working together through the goodwill of the staff, not by design.

"People want care. They don't care about these silly structures that we've created," said Abernethy.

The system needs to be changed so people can go anywhere in the system to get the care they need. Efficiencies, like taking advantage of economies of scale when buying supplies or equipment, also have to be found to make the system sustainable, he said.

"We have a lot of work to do, we know that," said Abernethy.

Abernethy said consultation about what needs to be changed will be conducted over the next six months. Because some of the changes will require changes to legislature, many things won't be put into practice until after the next territorial government comes into power in Oct. 2015.

Walter Blondin, a Fort Simpson resident, questioned why the Dehcho Health and Social Services Authority's board was suspended and how people can still have oversight to hold the government accountable.

In the new system, there would still be boards or councils who would give input and guidance, said Abernethy, who used the term "regional wellness councils" a few times.

A new territorial level council would also be created that each regional council would have a seat on.

"You're not going to lose your voice in the Deh Cho," he said.

Blondin added that the doctors and specialists in the territory are excellent, but getting into the system to see them is a problem.

"We do have fantastic staff," Abernethy said.

Wilbert Antoine, another resident at the meeting, raised the issue of escorts. People go as medical escorts to Yellowknife, but don't fulfill their role, disappear and aren't seen for weeks, he said.

"That has to stop someplace," he said.

Medical travel is also one of the areas that is being addressed, Abernethy said.

"We definitely, definitely have to fix medical travel. It's crazy," he said.

A comprehensive review is underway and the policy will be modified to be current, practical and effective.

Once a policy and sub-policies have been created they will be shown to groups who have had problems with those specific areas so they can provide input, Abernethy said.

The issue of the new Fort Simpson health centre was also raised during the meeting by Nahendeh MLA Kevin Menicoche.

The foundation of the current centre is crumbling so a new centre is needed. There are concerns in the community about where the new building will be situated, he said. There has been some talk of it going where Deh Cho Hall used to be.

"The community has to be involved and have our say," said Menicoche.

The Department of Public Works and Services is conducting a planning study, said Abernethy. The plan is to break ground on the centre in the fiscal year of 2015-16.

Abernethy said he doesn't have confirmation on where the centre will be built and committed to encouraging Tom Beaulieu, the minister of the department, have his staff consult with the community.