Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, since we last gathered here together in this house, residents of the Deh Cho have come to me with questions and concerns. They are worried about the quality of healthcare they can access in their home communities. Mr. Speaker, in particular, I'm aware of cases where a person after repeated visits to the health centre for a checkup on their health concerns was given Tylenol and told to go home.
In Yellowknife, Inuvik, or Hay River, you might be able to go to another doctor for a second opinion, or to the emerg at the hospital if you are frightened, and needed medical help, but options like that are not always available outside the regional centres.
On August 1st of last year, the Territories' eight regional health authorities were unified. We moved to the single NWT Health and Social Services Authority. Members of the public were told that these changes would help the Department of Health and Social Services break down systemic barriers. We also heard that moving to a single health authority would maximize use of human resources, make our healthcare system more responsive to patients' needs, and enhance the quality of healthcare in every region. Six months later, some might say, we are still in the early stages. Mr. Speaker, some healthcare needs can't wait for the bugs to work out. The people in my riding are looking for a reassurance from the Minister that system transformation will result in positive practical changes on the ground in our small communities. When a person goes to a see a doctor, they want to be understood. They want to be respected, and they want to be helped.
Later today, I will have questions for the Minister. I hope to work with him to help our residents better engage with the healthcare system. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.