FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 26, 2024
WHITEHORSE – The Yukon Party Official Opposition is concerned about the state of the territory’s health care system, and the financial situation with Yukon Hospitals that is causing a health care crisis. MLAs have heard from Yukoners about growing Emergency Room wait times at Whitehorse General Hospital, and lack of access to a hospital bed.
“We are hearing from more Yukoners than ever before about long waits experienced by themselves or a family member to access emergency care at the Whitehorse hospital,” noted Health and Social Services Critic Brad Cathers. “The recent announcement by the Liberal government of temporary measures to alleviate some of the current pressures in the hospital system is another indication of just how much our hospitals and health professionals are struggling to keep up with the increased volume.”
In November, the Legislative Assembly heard from representatives of the Yukon Hospital Corporation that even with the funding contained in the supplementary budget and cost containment measures, the Hospital Corporation is trending toward an operating deficit as high as $6 million for the current fiscal year.
In December, the Minister of Health and Social Services claimed in media interviews that the Liberals were working on additional funding for Yukon hospitals. Over two months later, the territory’s hospital system is struggling to cope with the increased volume in patients, and the government has still not announced any additional funding for the Yukon Hospital Corporation.
“Yukoners’ and their health are feeling the impact of our hospital system being overburdened and underfunded,” added Cathers. “The Liberal government continues to neglect the financial needs of our hospitals despite the Ernst & Young report independently confirming Yukon Hospitals suffered from a ‘chronic cash flow and operating shortfall’ during the last four years. The lives of Yukoners depend on our hospital system, so the Liberals need to immediately increase funding for Yukon Hospitals.”
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Contact:
Tim Kucharuk
Press Secretary
(867) 393-7026