Yarmouth MLA Zach Churchill is demanding the NDP government produce evidence of who was consulted about respite bed reductions and why it is acceptable that Yarmouth be targeted to lose its only respite bed available at Tideview Terrace.

“Clearly government made this decision in secret and developed a plan which will place caregivers in Yarmouth at a disadvantage,” said Churchill. “There will now only be one respite bed available at Nakile with the other two remaining beds in the District located more than 50 km away.”

A respite bed allows an individual to stay and receive care in a long term facility for a scheduled amount of time enabling caregivers to get a break from their caregiver duties.

Liberal Leader Stephen McNeil unveiled documents on July 7 that showed the NDP government planned to reduce the number of respite beds across Nova Scotia from 77 to 44 by converting them to nursing home beds. South West Nova District Health Authority saw its number of respite beds decreased from nine to three.

“This NDP government is on record as saying they want to make it easier for seniors to stay in their own homes and in their communities,” added Churchill. “These cuts to respite beds reduce the number of options and level of support available to those in need and their caregivers.”