The Saskatchewan NDP is calling for government transparency following the leak of what it calls a “scathing” report centered on health care in Lloydminster. On Friday, NDP MLAs gathered with leaders from Lloydminster to reveal the 261-page report, claiming Premier Scott Moe’s government has been hiding it to “gaslight” residents about failures to protect the health-care system. “This scathing report shows an utter disregard for the health of the people of Lloydminster,” NDP Leader Carla Beck said in an update. The Lloydminster Health Service Needs Assessment, jointly commissioned by the governments of Saskatchewan and Alberta, calls for improvements in several areas. Some of the issues from the report highlighted by the NDP include the Lloydminster Hospital no longer being adequate, the closure of its intensive care unit, gaps in seniors care, understaffing, ER wait times and a lack of mental health services. Darrell Dunn of the Lloydminster Concerned Citizens for Seniors Society weighed in on how some people are feeling in the community. “What was reported in 2013 wasn’t addressed and needs to be addressed, only more addressed. It’s fine to build hospitals, but if you don’t have people and services to go with those hospitals, you’ve got a problem,” he said. A summary of the report’s findings was released by the government in June, a move the official opposition called “scant.” “The people of Lloydminster — all Saskatchewan people, for that matter — deserve health-care and government that is built on honest and transparency, not spin and secrecy,” Beck said. “Families have been telling anyone that would listen that their health-care system in Lloydminster and region is under tremendous strain. But truly what is shocking is how clearly and comprehensively this report confirms those concerns,” NDP MLA Meara Conway said. In a statement, the Government of Saskatchewan said it is aligned with Alberta in its commitment to work together to provide consistent and high-quality health-care services for Lloydminster. “The Needs Assessment will serve as a helpful guide to advance discussions on future planning in the Lloydminster area to address any service gaps as well as opportunities for improvement,” the statement read. The province went on to say it has made significant improvements since the last needs assessment was completed for Lloydminster. “These investments include a new dialysis unit to serve 24 patients, creation of a third operating room at the hospital, 44 new supportive living spaces at Pioneer House, and 60 new continuing care spaces,” the province noted.
