Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, just by way of a little background in response to Ms. Lee's question, in the fall of 2000, Stanton Regional Hospital Health Board developed plans to amalgamate surgery and pediatric units. The planned amalgamation of the units ceased due to concerns from staff and clients.

After the deferral of the amalgamation, Stanton took steps to reopen the surgery unit. A major requirement, in order to do that, was to hire nursing staff.

It is my understanding that if sufficient staff can be hired, the surgical unit will reopen March 5th, 2001. If sufficient staff cannot be hired to have both units, pediatrics and surgery, opened, the most likely option is that Stanton will open the surgical unit and care for the pediatric patients on that unit and, if necessary, also use half of the old pediatrics unit. Thank you.