SOUTHERN LABRADOR, N.L.
Labrador-Grenfell Health (LGH) is moving ahead on consultations with the Combined Councils of Labrador (CCL).
Last week, The Northern Pen reported CCL hosted a public meeting to address concerns with the Labrador South Health Centre in Forteau.
The meeting raised topics such as doctor retention, staff shortages and infrastructure, among others.
CCL will compile the issues raised during the meeting and present them to the regional health authority LGH for further discussion.
In an email statement, LGH informed The Northern Pen it was made aware of concerns by CCL prior to the meeting and was working with that body to arrange a consultation.
As part of the health authority’s 2017-20 strategic plan, there is a commitment to complete a Community Health Needs Assessment to identify issues and prioritize strategies to meet the needs of the population.
As part of this process, community consultations are planned for the upcoming months.
LGH says these consultations are critical in planning improvements to services in the region.
“We look forward to open and constructive dialogue to improve overall population health,” the statement read. “This work will strengthen the capacity of Labrador-Grenfell Health to address population health issues in the region and increase access to primary health services.”
LGH did not address The Northern Pen’s inquiries as to whether two beds removed from the acute-care unit would be returned or if it would consider hiring a nurse practitioner, two issues discussed in last week’s article.
Nor did it address an inquiry on the status of the health authority’s search for a new doctor.
However, in last week’s article, Cartwright-L’Anse au Clair MHA Lisa Dempster did say LGH is actively looking to recruit a new doctor, who would be the second physician on staff.
