The MHA-designate for Placentia and St. Mary’s says if the new PC government is to expand the Whitbourne medical clinic to include a 24/7 emergency room, it will have to use robots in order to accomplish it.

The outgoing Liberal government converted the facility into an urgent care clinic, operating from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Liberal Sherry Gambin-Walsh, who was re-elected in the district, says her government and NL Health Services advertised for physicians to do just that – but had no takers.

She does not think that situation has changed just because the government has.

“I’m waiting to see how (they’re) going to open a 24 hour emergency at Whitbourne, and maintain the supports and services needed at Placentia hospital where there’s more resources. I have no idea how he’s going to do that.”