Sackville mayor worries town hospital will be cut

The Gallant government hasn't made any announcements yet as to what cuts will be made in the Feb. 2 budget, but the uncertainty has led SackvilleMayor Robert Berryto organize a public meeting to talk about the futureof the Sackville Memorial Hospital.

"People are asking questions, from doctors to patients, so we decided we better have a public meeting and hear what people have to say about our hospital," said Berry.

Last week, Premier Brian Gallant promised to protect health care and education in thebudget, but later in the weekHorizon Health Network CEO John McGarry said drastic change was needed in the province including fewer hospitals and emergency rooms.

• Horizon Health's John McGarry says dramatic change needed now

• Premier Brian Gallant vows to 'protect' health care, education in budget

The New Brunswick government hadlisted the complete closure of up to 10 hospitals as a possibility in eliminatingthe province's $600-million structural deficit, saying there is an opportunity to redesign the health care system.

We justwant [the province]to know that we don't want to end up losing. I don't want to end up losing myemergencyroom for example.- Mayor Robert Berry

Berry says doctors in Sackville will make a presentation at the meeting, which is being held at town hall Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.

"The hospital is one of three economic drivers in our whole town... the hospital, Mount Allison University, Drew Nursing Home. So we have to make sure that we look after those," Berry said.

Government officials have been invited and Berry is confident they will attend.

"We justwant them to know that we don't want to end up losing. I don't want to end up losing myemergencyroom for example."

Berry believes the Sackville Memorial Hospital, which has 21 beds and an emergency room, is critical to good health care in the area for year-round residents, and for students at Mount Allison University.

"Some of those kids can't travel and they have to have access to emergency rooms and proper health care for them to live a good life here in Sackville."