The criticism continues for the Provincial Health Minister after a visit to the Ashcroft Hospital.

Fraser-Nicola Liberal MLA, Jackie Tegart was on the NL Morning News and had some harsh words for the NDP’s Adrain Dix. “I think it’s a little bit disrespectful to give a mayor a call an hour and a half before and expect to have them pull people together.”

“So, rather disappointing, nice that he saw the building, met a few people but I think if you want to talk about the issues, you need to sit down with the people who are dealing with them.”

Tegart pointed out the important role the hospital plays for the region “The Ashcroft Hospital doesn’t just serve Ashcroft, it is a regional hub. And so we’re talking Clinton, we’re talking Spences Bridge, the whole area is served by that hospital.”

She said things have improved but could be better. “We now have doctors which was a challenge a number of years ago but our challenge now is we need nursing staff.”

She went on to say the far reaching effects of the staff shortages.

“If a doctor needs to put a cast on a patient, they’re not able to do that during the week because they don’t have the nursing staff support.”