NDPMPPsdemandurgentactionfollowing tragicdeathofpatientinHearst

In the wake of a heartbreaking death at the Notre-Dame Hospital in Hearst, Ontario, NDP Health Critic France Gélinas (Nickel Belt)andMPPGuyBourgouin(MushkegowukJamesBay)arecallingontheFordgovernmentto takeimmediateaction.TheyurgeFordtoprioritize the growing healthcare needs in Northern Ontario, including adequate emergency air transportation.

The incident at Notre-Dame Hospital involved critical delays in transferring an ill patient to a higher-level care facility 400 km away. Insufficient resources and protocols, includingashortageofORNGEcrewandpilots, hinderedtheabilityofphysiciansandhealthcare providerstoadministerthenecessarycare.

Gélinas expressed deep disappointment overthestateofhealthcareinNorthernOntario, stating, "The Liberal government stood idly by while ORNGE was being decimated, and the Conservative government has shown little interest in rebuilding a safe air transportation system for the sickest residents of Northern Ontario.DougForddoesnotprioritizeequitable accesstohealthcareforthepeopleinthisregion.”

"This tragic incident shows the continued impact of the Conservatives'unconstitutional wage-restraint legislationBill124,said Bourgouin. “We need to address the consequences of this legisla- tion. This government needs to work with experienced healthcare workers to develop solutionstosavelives.

ORNGEandthededicatedhealthcareproviders at Notre-Dame Hospital faced an uphill battle, trying to provide optimal care without adequate support. The situation highlights the need for increased staffing and resources in remote communitiesintheNorthtoavoidthesedevastatingoutcomesinthefuture."

"ItistimeforFord'sConservativestotakeaction and actually prioritize the growing healthcare needs of people in Northern Ontario,” Gélinas said.“Thistraumaticeventandsimilarincidents should serve as wake-up calls to recruit, retain and return more healthcare professionals to our region. My NDP colleagues and I extend our deepest sympathies to the patient's loved ones and the entire team at Notre-Dame Hospital for alltheefforts."