The NDP is accusing the department of health of “arrogance” in its response to conflicting information on plans to use a wing of the Janeway for adult gynecological services.

The provincial government set aside $3-million in this year’s budget to move women’s health services from the Health Sciences to the Janeway in an effort to free up in-patient bed capacity.

Jim Dinn received a 30-page report from hospital staff concerned about moving services, saying it could compromise some pediatric care.

He calls assertions by NLHS CEO Dr. Pat Parfrey and acting Health Minister John Haggie that the proposed section of hospital is underused, as “nonsense.”

“It’s not unused. I would say Dr. Parfrey is looking for a simple way right now of carving out space from the Janeway to solve a problem in the adult acute care hospital,” Dinn told reporters.

Haggie says they’re now in the process of starting consultation regarding the proposed move. He says the floor is currently vacant.

“This is an empty floor with nothing in it. No one’s taking beds away from the Janeway. That is, I think, a worry that’s kind of got out there. This is all about consultation, and the consultation has started,” he said.