I asked that very question, and I was advised that the Capital Health authority decides where these patients go. Doctors consult with each other when we’re sending patients South and when they’re receiving. On the basis of what the doctors know, they decide what facility and what expertise this patient needs.
This patient needed neurology and cardiology treatment. Royal Alexandra is where she had to be. Before she could be placed in a room, she had to be in emergency. There were two other Alberta residents with neurology conditions. They were all being monitored. They had a bed; it’s just that they didn’t have a room.
We use the services in Alberta. We do not control the capacity issues at the hospital where she was being taken care of. We are all aware of NWT residents who go to Stanton hospital and wait for hours for service. Unfortunately, sometimes we have to wait for service, but I want to tell you that this patient was given the best service we were able to provide. I know it wasn’t the best, but I was on top of that all day long, and so was my department.