The Department of Health says no decision has been made to permanently locate the service in Grand Falls-Windsor.
The NL Health Accord recommends that obstetrical services be centralized in central Newfoundland, leading to an outcry from area leaders.
Gander Mayor Percy Farwell and other municipalities in the eastern portion of central Newfoundland are serviced by James Paton Memorial Hospital and have expressed deep concern over the Health Accord’s recommendation.
Their argument is that having obstetrical services located in Grand Falls-Windsor alone will have serious health, economic and safety impacts on the Gander region including Notre Dame Bay and Bonavista North.
The Department of Health says the new Provincial Health Authority—once it’s established later this spring—will determine the next steps regarding obstetrical services in central Newfoundland in consultation with key stakeholders.
