Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Last week, before we returned to the Assembly, I held a constituency meeting to find out the issues the residents of Yellowknife South wanted me to raise in this House. One of the issues most often raised was the closure of the surgery unit at Stanton Yellowknife Hospital. While surgery is still being performed in the hospital, the actual surgery area has been closed since March.
The day surgery unit is still very well used by patients whose surgery does not require an overnight stay in the hospital. But those who do have to stay overnight are placed in beds in other units, particularly paediatrics and medicine. I understand the hospital has some legitimate reasons for having taken these steps. The number of patients requiring overnight stays for surgery has been very low lately and the hospital feels that the temporary closing of this unit lets them reallocate resources -- beds, nursing staff and so on -- in the most effective manner.
However, I do have some concerns. First, some of my constituents who have recently undergone surgery at Stanton were concerned about having been placed in other units. Some especially did not appreciate being placed in paediatrics where the presence of sick children who require much more care may have led to disturbing noises and they had concerns about infections. While I still have full confidence in the capability of the qualified and dedicated staff of Stanton Hospital, I understand the concerns expressed by my constituents.
As well, I'm very concerned that this closure may blur the perception of Stanton Hospital as a well-equipped territorial hospital that we are trying to develop. The Department of Health and Social Services, the various regional health boards and Stanton Hospital have made great progress in treating more northerners in the north. Not only does this save money in travel costs, but also allows northerners to receive their treatment closer to home and to feel more comfortable during what is often a difficult and stressful time for themselves and their families.
The closure of the surgery unit...Sorry, Mr. Speaker, I seek consent to continue.