Mr. Speaker, I have an emergency statement which I would like to make. Mr. Speaker, last night I met with the representatives of the Stanton Yellowknife Hospital to discuss what can be done to improve pain control measures used in the performance of abortions. We also spoke about counselling services and complaint procedures. At the meeting, direction was given to the hospital to develop a plan for providing patients with further choices for pain control, beyond those which it implemented the other day.
Mr. Speaker, the hospital board responded today by introducing a procedure that will allow patients to make an -informed choice on the method of pain control they wish to have administered. Patients will be provided with the options of pain control or medication alone, supplemented with local anesthetic or replaced with general anesthetic. The risk involved with each option will be explained to each patient; however, there will be instances in which a physician overrides the patient's first choice because of the risks involved.
Mr. Speaker, I also wish to announce that I expect the draft terms of reference for the independent inquiry to be available today. In addition, at a meeting this morning with Ms. Lynn Brooks of the Status of Women Council, she agreed that with the complainants' permission, she would provide copies of the complaints to an inquiry, through my office. The confidentiality of the complaints will be respected.
In conclusion, I will be circulating copies of the letter of direction provided to the Stanton board, the board's response and the draft terms of reference of the independent inquiry to Members later this afternoon. Thank you.
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