Third World Conditions Ravage Ontario First Nation Health Centre

[Guest guest]

Third World Conditions Ravage Ontario First Nation Health Centre

Newswire Today - London,UK

http://www.newswiretoday.com/news/19401/

Eabametoong First Nation (Fort Hope), ON: Mould infected walls,

ceilings contaminated with asbestos, fuel contaminated floors and

mushroom breeding. You would think that these conditions were of a

poverty ravished home in a third world country, but they are not!

They describe the deplorable conditions of a medical facility

operated by Health Canada and currently still admitting and treating

patients in Eabametoong First Nation in Northwestern Ontario.

The community of Eabametoong First Nation officially declared

a `State of Emergency' in their community nursing station today due

to serious health and safety concerns. Urgent requests have been

made to Health Canada to suspend operations of the Nursing Station

until the existing facility is deemed a safe environment for public

health. The Chief and Council are waiting on a decision from Health

Canada on the decisive plans for the local health facility.

Says Chief Charlie Okeese of Eabametoong First Nation; " We have been

asking Health Canada for a new health facility for several years now

and yet, they assert that the current facility can be expanded to

service the community for another 20 years! Our First Nation is

demanding a new health care facility for our community and we are

willing to provide the land for its development and a temporary

local facility for the transition period. We need answers and

assistance immediately to determine if this building is

environmentally safe. "

The barely standing nursing station was originally built in the

early 70's to serve the health and medical needs of the community.

During these early years there have been fuel and oil spills that

have contaminated the soil in the perimeter of the building. Since

then, the facility has been subject to annual flooding in the

basement which led to the growth of mould and mushrooms. It was

discovered during an annual clean up of mould that asbestos was

found in the basement walls and furnace room. Health Canada has

sealed off the furnace area pending the complete removal of asbestos

by Public Works Government Services.

Continues Chief Okeese; " We have called in independent investigators

today to assess whether the building needs to be condemned.

Regardless of the outcome, Health Canada has already sealed off the

basement to the building due to asbestos. We have no way of testing

the air quality in the building but nursing staff have started to

complain about skin reactions. At this point, we have no other

choice but to demand the cessation of operations until the facility

is deemed safe for public health and usage. "

Eabametoong First Nation is a remote community, accessible by air

only and located 155 kilometres northeast of Armstrong, Ontario.