Home / Health / NWT Policy Denies Husband's Support During Medical Emergency
NWT Policy Denies Husband's Support During Medical Emergency
5 Mar
Summary
- Family calls for N.W.T. government policy changes after medical travel ordeal.
- Government denied escort benefits citing emergency air transport policy rules.
- Patient developed PTSD and anxiety due to the traumatic experience.
A Yellowknife family is advocating for changes to the N.W.T. government's medical travel policy following a traumatic experience. Linda Mercer England endured severe kidney stone pain, initially prescribed medication at Stanton Territorial Hospital. Her condition worsened, leading to an emergency medevac to Edmonton.
Despite the patient's distress and her family's request, the N.W.T. government denied coverage for her husband to accompany her, citing a policy that excludes escorts for emergency air transport. This decision was upheld by Health Minister Lesa Semmler, who stated compassionate care is not an eligibility criterion.
Mercer England's husband ultimately paid nearly $6,000 out of pocket for his over two-week stay in Edmonton. The ordeal has resulted in Mercer England developing PTSD and anxiety. Range Lake MLA Kieron Testart has raised the issue in the Legislative Assembly, advocating for an exemption policy for ministers to intervene in exceptional cases.
The minister stated that revising the medical travel program is underway, aiming for modernization and improved cultural safety. However, any new supports must be financially sustainable. The policy currently states that non-medical escorts cannot travel on air ambulances due to safety and space constraints, a standard practice across Canadian jurisdictions.
