Although unable to attend his announcement Tuesday, a flat tire couldn’t curb the news that Conservative candidate Jim Wilson has promised his government would provide the $1.4 million needed to reopen and sustain the birthing unit for three years if elected. Wilson said he has Conservative leader John Tory’s approval to go ahead with the plan if the Conservative party forms government. Wilson can’t pinpoint exactly where the funding would be included in the health care budget, but said $1.4 million is petty cash in terms of the Ministry of Health budget.
“As Progressive Conservatives, we agree with families who expect mothers to give birth in their community hospital. For taxpayers, we believe vital family services belong in the community,” said Wilson.
When making these promises, Liberal candidate Steven Fishman said there should be accountability if the unit doesn’t reopen and Wilson is re-elected.
“Is he prepared to step down if these things don’t happen? That’s the question I’d like to propose to Mr. Wilson,” said Fishman.
He said the real problem at SMH isn’t funding.
“It’s being able to have the doctors there to be able to reopen the birthing unit,” said Fishman.
He said the Liberals are committed to Stevenson Memorial and have shown that through the hiring of the supervisor Mark Rochon in June after the mass resignation of the hospital board.
Wilson doesn’t deny the doctor shortage. He said a funding commitment from the government would make it easier for whoever is on the new hospital board to attract doctors though.
Green Party candidate Peter Ellis said he doesn’t see why the birthing unit isn’t opened immediately. He said in other communities the department works with two obstetricians, and when they aren’t available patients would then have to travel elsewhere.
“Half a service is better than no service, and right now there is no service,” said Ellis.
NDP candidate Katy Austin said there isn’t anything specific in her election platform for Stevenson Memorial, however, she did agree that there is a doctor shortage.
