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Eight beds for Maz heart patients closed for staff shortages: NDP
By Archie McLean, edmontonjournal.com
May 21, 2010
EDMONTON — Eight beds for heart patients at the Mazankowski Heart Institute won't be in use because of staff shortages, the NDP said Thursday.
The NDP said they heard from patients and staff at the hospital who said the fifth floor beds will be gone as soon as next week. Leader Brian Mason sent a letter to the premier and health minister, asking for the beds to be put to full use.
Health Minister Gene Zwozdesky said four of the beds have never been used and the other four will be moved to the critical care unit.
Zwozdesky toured the hospital recently and said there remains a list of things that needs work.
"The Maz performs outstanding work and we have to do whatever we can to support them," he said.
Still, Earl Dodd, a cardiology technician at the hospital, said staff are run off their feet. With more staff, they could perform more surgeries.
"There's a lot of people waiting for surgery, but they say, 'We can't give you surgery because there's nobody to monitor you for recovery,' " Dodd said.
amclean@thejournal.canwest.com
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