Cullen speaks out on microbiology move

Skeena-Bulkley Valley MP Nathan Cullen is not satisfied with the work of the Northern Health Authority (NHA) in their move to consolidate microbiology services.

"There's been no real public explanation, and public consultation yet," said Cullen on the move which.

"My concerns remain about the Northern Health Authority's decision to move these tests out," he said. "I feel like we have the risk of getting on a slippery slope."

Losing services in the North, he said, is like "a movie we're getting tired of watching."

He said the health authority could have done a better job and thinks that they're being quiet on the move because of the controversy which surrounds it.

And despite NHA representatives meeting with the town council, the authority has done little to address the public.

"That's not really going to do it for me," he said. "NHA, in the past, when making decisions like this have had well advertised public forums that we've helped host with that. That's real, quality consultation."

He said he has been in discussion with others, including Stikine MLA Doug Donaldson, but communication with NHA has been "hit and miss".

Cullen's concerns include staffing levels in Terrace that remain low and the potential for back logged sample processing.

Meanwhile Smithers' hospital has had stable and good technical support for a long time.

Cullen remains at a loss to explain exactly how the health authority is saving any money with the move.

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