Deputation hopes to address hospital gridlock issue

Hospital gridlock and issues related to mental health and addiction will be the focus of a deputation to city council on Monday night. 

Shuniah Coun. Alana Bishop, who is also a registered nurse, will appear before Thunder Bay City council during its regular scheduled meeting Monday evening at City Hall to put forward a concept that she believes will "kill two birds with one stone."

Bishop has written the minister of health, asking Deb Matthews to endorse the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre as a pilot project for the segregation of services.

The mayor and members of city council met with Matthews this past week on this very issue that is expected to be brought before council. 

Currently, Thunder Bay only has seven crisis beds, and it has been widely acknowledged that the substance abuse problems are high in this city.  

Council will also hear more information on the need for an asset management program for the Parks Division. 

A deputation will also come from the Lakehead University Student Union calling for a pedestrian crosswalk traffic signal on Oliver Road between the university’s fieldhouse and the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.   

Council will also meet Tuesday night where the focus will be solely on the city's strategic planning process.