RED ROCK— Thunder Bay councillors, approving a plan to consolidate four North Shore ambulance bases into two has resulted in concern and controversy across the region.
The two bases would include Nipigon, and Red Rock in one and Schreiber and Terrace Bay in another; while closing the EMS base in Beardmore, an action that would result in moving its ambulance service to Longlac.
In the Township of Beardmore, this issue has its own Facebook page, asking residents to, “save the Beardmore ambulance”. Residents are also reacting by asking Thunder Bay council how they could make these kinds of decisions without consulting the communities affected.
Reactions are sending out a clear reminder that small communities in the region, including First Nations communities need access to health care. For some the loss of ambulance service, means a drive of over two hours to access the type of health care needed.
Darquise Robinson, Red Rock mayor, posted a statement that made it clear that she and the community will hold both Chief Wayne Gates and the City of Thunder Bay accountable for their assurances that there will be no reduction in hours or ambulance service for Red Rock.
Red Rock’s mayor alluded to her experience as a paramedic serving the Town of Red Rock and surrounding area for the past 30 years, as a backdrop for the voicing of her concerns about this decision.
“Chief Wayne Gates has assured the municipality that there will be no reduction in hours or service to Red Rock and we will hold him and the City of Thunder Bay accountable to that statement,” stated Robinson. “A lot of work has to be done in regard to the Hospital Transfer Service in order for this master plan to come to fruition,” added Robinson.
Robinson’s plan is to work in partnership with Dorion, Hurkett, Nipigon, and Lake Helen to ensure that the EMS services that each of their residents need and have been accustomed to will remain the same.
The mayor ended her statement by stating that she as mayor and city council will work hard to make sure that the highest level of EMS service will continue for all Red Rock residents.
