Is there a clinic in your future?

We heard some pretty harsh comments from a few people over the provincial government’s inaction on approving plans for the Brockton and Area Medical Clinic.
And frankly, I don’t blame them. Back in April we were told that the project was on the fast track at the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care. Local officials had hoped the plans would be approved quickly so they could tender the project out in time for the coming construction season.
With summer now in full swing, I would think most of those construction schedules and jobs are pretty well planned for the rest of this year.
So, when, (if) the Ministry ever does give its approval, when could the proverbial shovels get into the proverbial ground for this much needed, and supported project – before the end of 2009?
Another issue is the repeated concerns expressed by those involved in our local healthcare about the inaction by our local MPP. We’ve heard that calls to Carol Mitchell’s office have gone unanswered. In fact, some have decided to take the desparate action of contacting neighbouring MPP Bill Murdoch for his support – and he’s not even a member of the government as Mitchell is.
They argue that the unreasonable delay is having negative impacts on the Family Health Team which includes Paisley, Chesley, and Durham – parts of his riding – so he should be involved. Involved he is and will be, I was informed by his office that the very day they were contacted last week, he sent a letter to the Minister and inquired about the status.
As it’s been said by others, the delay is mindboggling considering that no one is asking the province for any money for this clinic. But then, there probably isn’t a photo op that can be squeezed out of the eventual approval and construction start – at least by those at the provincial level. And that is certainly a driving force in most of their actions of late.
So another week gets taken off the calendar with yet still no action.
Perhaps the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care should simply change its name to Ministry of Health and Long Term Decision Making.