The provincial government has axed its plans to convert fifteen single rooms at the Corner Brook Long Term Care Facility to double occupancy.

The idea was first announced over a week ago amid concerns of overcrowding at Western Memorial Hospital.

Premier Andrew Furey revealed that the idea was being scrapped when responding to a question from PC Leader Tony Wakeham in the House of Assembly.

Wakeham referenced comments from the Seniors Advocate, who “adamantly opposes” the conversion, and asked the Premier if he will stop the plans.

Furey responded by saying the intent was never to force seniors into double occupancy but rather to give the option for people who may want to avail of it. However, Furey says they have heard the feedback and “we are today going to put a stop to that.”

Meanwhile, Health Minister John Hogan has doubled down on the need for flexibility for seniors when it comes to the idea of double occupancy.

In response to Opposition questions in the House of Assembly, Hogan indicated that, as they learned through COVID, some seniors prefer to have the company of a long-term partner or sibling to combat loneliness.

“I said that there might be seniors, and it’s important to have flexibility, that may want to be in a room with someone else. Like, I don’t know, their husband or wife, personally I like spending time with my wife,” Hogan told the House to great laughter and applause.

“For people who don’t want to do that, that’s fine too, all I’m saying was that there’s flexibility, it’s not one or the other, it’s both.”