Time for community to stand up, be counted

Chris Clegg
South Peace News

News that space for cancer treatment and a renal dialysis unit would not be funded in the new High Prairie Hospital came as a shock to people and most attending the public meeting June 18 wanted to know why the decision was made. But what they got was a mixed bag of answers from people willing to answer the question. “There was no evidence of support from the Alberta Cancer Board for a new cancer clinic in High Prairie, no evidence of support from the Northern Alberta Renal Program for a renal dialysis clinic in High Prairie, and no evidence of a need for a new EMS station. Additional funding for these additions to the project could, therefore, not be supported,” wrote Alberta Health and Wellness Minister Dave Hancock to Peace Country Health May 11. Peace Country Health’s capital projects manager, Dalton Russell, told the over 100 people attending that the cancer (chemotherapy) and diabetic treatment facilities were requested but “the project needed another $6 million”. He called it “relatively small change” seeing the project was so expensive but added bureaucrats refused to consider the request. PCH has written Hancock restating their position and concern, says Russell. “This is an opportunity for all of you to join Peace Country Health . . .and share with government your views,” says Russell. “We need your help to make sure your MLA knows. It will take her and the community to get it.” “Don’t think for a moment that’s the last,” he concludes. However, the audience heard that the current drawings presented did include space for both treatment facilities, against the government’s wishes. M.D. of Big Lakes Reeve Myler Savill promised his council’s support. “What is coming out is, this is not acceptable to the community,” says Savill. “How do we pull it all together?” Savill was also concerned there were two messages being brought to the table: Hancock’s letter saying no space for treatment would be funded but space was included in the plans. “Someone needs to tell us what isn’t going to be in there,” he says. PCH High Prairie board member Marie Savill spoke and told the audience that certain criteria needed to be met before the government would include certain services. She reminded people that High Prairie was lucky to receive funding through a budget surplus for the new hospital rather than going through the government’s finance committee. George Keay, who serves on the committee for the new hospital, spoke at length and expressed his frustration. He began by pointing out the new hospital would only have one X-ray machine as opposed to the two it currently has. He also says he is drafting a letter to Premier Ed Stelmach. Keay then urged everyone to write a letter to Minister Hancock and carbon copy MLA Pearl Calahasen. “That’s a way to get their attention,” says Keay. “These are things this community needs.” Keay also says that he had an agreement that the cancer and diabetic treatment facilities would be a part of the hospital. But the problem is, the promise was never written on paper. “There’s no doubt… this community should have these services,” says Russell. “Someone dropped the ball,” says Keay.

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