Wait Times at the ER

Mary asked:

“What are your thoughts on my status regarding the lengthy wait at our ER at QEH? Do you think 19 hours is an acceptable waiting period? Just curious.....”

My reply:

Good Morning Mary

Mary, of course I don't agree with a 19 hour wait. In conversations with two RNs, an LNA and 2 doctors over the last 3 weeks all felt it was poor management for a lot of the wait time – such as scheduling, poor priorities, etc.

So back to your question, Mary. I don’t want to start sounding and acting like a politician but health care and education are priorities for Islanders and for me.

Here is my answer on what I will do to start the process to deal with wait times. As leader of the PC party and as premier I will check the information we are getting about ER wait times by actually going to the ER, speaking to Islanders waiting there, seeing for myself what is going on.

Second I will speak to health care workers where ever I find them including in their lunch rooms or cafeterias and hear what they believe is the problem and what they would suggest to fix it.

Third I will expect real answers and time lines from ministers and deputy ministers on what is wrong and how they expect to fix it.

Then I will ensure that real solutions get implemented.

Mary, fixing this problem is about showing the way with real transparent information and leadership.