Ches Crosbie proposes PUB-style board to rein in health spending

Progressive Conservative LeaderChes Crosbie is proposing a radical shakeup in the way public health dollars are spent in Newfoundland and Labrador, with a view towards cutting costs.

If he becomes premier, Crosbie said, he plans toestablisha quasi-judicial board similar to the Public Utilities Board to make major spending spending decisions in a health system that consumes more than $3 billion annually, or roughly 40 per cent of yearly spending.

"I don't know anyone with experience with the health-care system that does not think there is waste in health care," Crosbie stated.

"That's a good place to start. While preserving the quality of careyou can root out a lot of waste."

Crosbie has continually referred to what he says is a troubling spending problem, one he says is bringing the province to the "cliff's edge of financial ruin."

When asked how he would cut spending, Crosbie immediately referenced health care, saying someone has to make the tough decisions.

Choices required: Crosbie

"You can't set out to please everyone," he said. "It requires choices, and some will be offended by those choices."

Under the current system, Crosbie said those with the "sharpest elbows" get government funding.

Under his strategy, Crosbie said a board composed of expertswould allocated funding "where the economic case is strongest."

Crosbiebelieves such a formula would "get better (health) outcomes."

When asked if he would halt construction of the new Corner Brook hospital, Crosbiehe would not because the process is too far advanced.

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