Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Danny Williams is set to undergo heart surgery in the United States later this week. The 59 year old Canadian Premier will spend 12 weeks recovering after his surgery at an undisclosed location in the U.S. Ms. Kathy Dunderdale will act as premier in Mr. Williams' stead while he recooperates.
"I'm not going into the details of the premier's condition," Dunderdale informed reporters Tuesday morning during a news conference in St. John's. "Any heart surgery is serious. However, his prognosis is very, very good." Dunderdale affirmed that the surgery would happen this week but declined to provide further information on the location or day Williams will be treated, other than to remark that Williams has "gone to a renowned expert in the procedure that he needs to have done."
She also refused comment on whether Williams had the opportunity to have the procedure performed elsewhere in Canada.
Vicki Kaminski, President and CEO of Eastern Health stated her support for Premier Williams' decision to undergo surgery outside of the province. Kaminski remains confident regarding Eastern Health's comprehensive cardiac program, but noted that technology is always advancing, and sometimes doctors recommend procedures for their patients that are not done in the province.
Without violating patient confidentiality, Kaminski confirmed that Williams' laboratory workup and diagnosis were performed inside the province, and that he was pleased with his treatment.
Premier Williams arrived at his decision to have his surgery performed in the U.S. after consulting with his doctors. His U.S. scheduled surgery, however, has caused some to speculate regarding his apparent rejection of the Canadian health care system.
Dunderdale attempted to dispel these notions during the news conference. "Having the surgery done in the province was never an option that was offered to him."
Kaminski also tried to dispel speculation that the Premier scheduled his surgery in the U.S. due to a lack of faith in either the province's or Canada's health-care system.
"There's no question that this is not a queue-jumping issue," Kaminski told reporters. She urged people not to view his decision to seek surgery elsewhere as a condemnation of Canada's medical health system. "He certainly has told us that he was very satisfied with the care that he received." Kaminski implied that the Premier's decision to have surgery elsewhere may simply be due to more advanced treatments available in the U.S.. "It could be something as simple as a slightly new technique that's being tried that gives a speedy recovery and that's not yet approved in Canada," she said.
For more information, please visit:
N.L. Premier Williams set to have heart surgery in U.S.
CBC News - Nfld. & Labrador - Heart surgery to sideline N.L Premier for weeks
Premier Williams leaves N.L. to undergo heart surgery, says province
Comments
wait a minute! why isn't he taking advantage of the superior canadian system? if you listen to nomobo our doctors are quacks, our hospitals are third world, and the treatment is 'cheap' in canada . . . should become good campaign fodder against liberals like Claire Mc Maskill, D-MO.!
Well said, wire_paladin.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!