Jessica Botelho-Urbanski
06/18/2018 7:00 PM
While some Winnipeggers have been outraged over emergency room closures and changes, the residents of Cross Lake have been waiting for the construction of a 24-hour health complex for more than two decades.
Located more than 530 kilometres north of Winnipeg, Cross Lake is home to about 9,000 people. Residents need to travel to either Winnipeg or Thompson to receive most medical services, including blood work, dialysis and to give birth.
Many take the bus to Winnipeg — a 15-hour ride. There are about five medevacs that leave the community daily, costing as much as $10,000 per flight. That adds up to more than $18 million annually. Depending on the reason for the trip, the provincial or federal government picks up the tab.
Chief Cathy Merrick has had enough.
Community hopes birthday card campaign will help sway health minister
Jessica Botelho-Urbanski
06/18/2018 7:00 PM
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