The emergency measures coordinator in Shelburne County has deep concerns over cuts within the local health authority. Beginning October 1st, Roseway Hospital will no longer have overnight staff working the front desk and switchboard. Don Bower says patients requiring medical attention after hours will need to ring a buzzer to get inside the hospital - which he says is unacceptable. Bower says it's a huge loss for the community and an issue of public safety.
The hospital is also responsible for providing dispatch for emergency services such as EMO and local fire departments. That service will also be discontinued due to budget restrictions. Bower says at least five or six local fire departments will need to find an alternate solution to their dispatching issues. He's hoping the community will rally and fight to keep the service alive in Shelburne.
