Nova Scotia Health says a hospital in Amherst will be providing essential services only on Wednesday due to the ongoing protest at the Nova Scotia – New Brunswick border.
Health officials say the blockade is preventing some health care workers at Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre (CRHCC) who live in New Brunswick from coming into work.
Megan Mitton, MLA for Memramcook-Tantramar in New Brunswick, shared a Tweet, saying she has been waiting in line for over an hour to get into Nova Scotia for a medical appointment in Amherst.
I have been waiting in line for over an hour to get into NS for a medical appointment in Amherst. There is a blockade at the border and multiple RCMP checkpoints. Most vehicles are being turned back to NB including healthcare workers and patients of the Amherst Hospital. pic.twitter.com/Pr03gCsvLF
— Megan Mitton (@meganmitton) June 23, 2021
The emergency department at CRHCC will remain open for patients who require urgent and emergency care.
Patients with appointments for ambulatory services (blood collection, diagnostic imaging and clinics) are asked to call the hospital at 902-667-3361 to confirm their appointment.
Meantime, Health Minister Zach Churchill has posted to social media to say the protest is putting patient safety at risk and directly impacting health care delivery in Cumberland.
This protest is putting patient safety at risk and directly impacting health care delivery in Cumberland. I understand people are frustrated, but we are still in the midst of a pandemic. Inciting this activity is not acceptable and reckless. https://t.co/fRymW5leI6
— Zach Churchill (@zachchurchill) June 23, 2021
He recognizes people are frustrated, but cautions we’re still living in a pandemic. Churchill adds Nova Scotia is taking a deliberate approach to reopening with guidance from public health to ensure the safety of all Nova Scotians.
Meantime, Nova Scotia RCMP have provided an update saying they remain on scene at the provincial border and drivers are encouraged to avoid the area.
