The provincial administration is currently upholding its choice to reject a generous $2 million donation initially proposed for a novel MRI machine at Estevan’s St. Joseph’s Hospital. The benefactor, Elaine Walkom, has expressed her shock concerning the government’s reaction.
The government responded to her donation offer, saying, “Operating costs are anticipated to be excessively high and we believe that the local population size does not warrant the addition of the MRI facility. Preference will be given to larger cities,” which left Ms. Walkom astounded.
A missive from former Health Minister Paul Merriman conveyed his gratitude for her philanthropy but clarified the absence of immediate blueprints for broadening MRI amenities at St. Joseph’s Hospital, a stance the provincial government reiterated in a recent statement.
The province expressed appreciation for Ms. Walkom’s magnanimity and her commitment towards enhancing the healthcare sector in Estevan. They also indicated their anticipation for future dialogues regarding opportunities to improve the healthcare amenities with Ms. Walkom and St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation.
Experiencing this situation has led Ms. Walkom to contemplate her decision. She admitted, “I presume I was rather naive, as I assumed such a donation to the government would be welcomed and the project would quickly move forward.”
Records of the government’s communications were acquired and made public by the Buffalo Party. Its leader, Phil Zajac, fully agrees with the community’s discontent, saying, “It feels like smaller Saskatchewan towns are under attack, with forces driving residents to relocate. This development could have been an enhancement for the community encouraging better resident care.”
The Saskatchewan NDP Leader, Carla Beck, was outspoken in criticizing the government’s decision. She contended, “This is absurd. We’re dealing with a community member generously offering $2 million to resolve a local health issue, and yet we have government ministers obstructing the process.”
She further added, “This is merely one more instance of the ruling party obstructing progress and assuming they know better than the communities that desperately require this MRI machine. The need for a government that truly listens and takes action is now more apparent than ever.”
The provincial government has advised Ms. Walkom to redirect her donation towards another urgent requirement at St. Joseph’s Hospital. However, she has refused, holding fast to her belief in the need for MRI services in southeastern Saskatchewan.
