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The small Newfoundland community of Rencontre East’s slogan is “Isolated and loving it” but the town clerk says isolation from the health-care system is fueling anger among residents.
Krystal Gillard said clinic hours in the community of around 100 people, many of whom are seniors, have become erratic. What was once a weekly clinic became bi-weekly, then monthly and clinic visits have nearly stalled since.
“Our big concern is the lack, or should I say, non-existent health-care services that are being provided to our community. We go months without regular clinics, without regular bloodwork collection days. And it’s just not fair,” Gillard told CBC Radio’s On the Go.
She said much of the deterioration has come since the COVID-19 pandemic. She understands a staffing crunch is impacting the health-care system across Newfoundland and Labrador, but feels the lack of staff is disproportionately affecting smaller communities like Rencontre East.
Residents have been forced to go to areas like Bay L’Argent or Burin for care, which Gillard said can be a challenge. Travel by ferry is a necessity, and the winter months can make highways dangerous to travel on.
“Just today, I heard someone’s been waiting three weeks for a clinic to come down, and then I heard from someone that they’ve been waiting three months for their child to get their bloodwork done,” Gillard said.
“With our health care lacking, sometimes I say we’ll feel isolated and stranded.”
On The Go8:06Rencontre East healthcare services
Residents in the town of Rencontre East are feeling isolated… and forgotten. Since the pandemic, the town says health clinic services have steadily declined. We reach the town clerk of the remote south coast community for an update. (On The Go’s Julie Skinner with Krystal Gillard)
CBC News made multiple interview requests with Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services, which first acknowledged the request on Tuesday but comment wasn’t made by Friday evening.
Rencontre East’s town council has sent a letter to Health Minister Lela Evans highlighting their concerns.
Among other items it calls for a nurse to be made available to help patients through virtual appointments and ensure scheduled days for laboratory and X-ray work — even if other services can’t be provided.
Gillard said she hopes the province can act quickly so communities like Rencontre East aren’t neglected.
“I would like to see more of an effort made for the small communities that rely on the medical staff coming in,” she said.
“We’ve heard that we don’t complain enough to get the attention, but we shouldn’t have to complain. That’s a service that we should be provided.”
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