Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, we are currently engaged in a process to look at our acute care beds territory-wide that the average utilization rate, once you agree on the definition of acute care, is approximately 37 percent across the Northwest Territories. The average cost of an acute bed is about $300,000. So as we look at efficiencies, the Member is correct; we are looking at acute care bed requirements in Fort Smith, Hay River, in Yellowknife and in Inuvik. We intend to move ahead with a plan to rationalize the usage and look at what's the best use for that resource. The issue is sustainability, as was raised earlier in this House. The resources that are in the communities, there are pressures that we can't meet right now. So if in a community like Fort Smith, Yellowknife, Hay River or Inuvik, if there were an overabundance of acute care beds, then we have to reprofile resources to meet other needs and we will be moving to do that. That work will be brought back to Cabinet and brought back to the Social Programs committee as well. It's an issue that we are aware of that we are moving on, especially looking at the fiscal climate we are operating in. Thank you.
Michael Miltenberger on Revert To Item 20: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
In the Legislative Assembly on March 23rd, 2004. See this statement in context.
Revert To Item 20: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
Revert To Item 20: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
March 23rd, 2004
Page 222
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