Third World Conditions ravage Eabametoong First Nation Health Centre
Eabametoong First Nation (Fort Hope), ON: Mould infected walls, ceilings contaminated with asbestos, fuel contaminated floors and mushroom breeding. You would think that these conditions were of a poverty ravished home in a third world country, but they are not! They describe the deplorable conditions of a medical facility operated by Health Canada and currently still admitting and treating patients in Eabametoong First Nation in Northwestern Ontario.
The community of Eabametoong First Nation officially declared a ‘State of Emergency’ in their community nursing station today due to serious health and safety concerns. Urgent requests have been made to Health Canada to suspend operations of the Nursing Station until the existing facility is deemed a safe environment for public health. The Chief and Council are waiting on a decision from Health Canada on the decisive plans for the local health facility.
Says Chief Charlie Okeese of Eabametoong First Nation; “We have been asking Health Canada for a new health facility for several years now and yet, they assert that the current facility can be expanded to service the community for another 20 years! Our First Nation is demanding a new health care facility for our community and we are willing to provide the land for its development and a temporary local facility for the transition period. We need answers and assistance immediately to determine if this building is environmentally safe.”
The barely standing nursing station was originally built in the early 70’s to serve the health and medical needs of the community. During these early years there have been fuel and oil spills that have contaminated the soil in the perimeter of the building. Since then, the facility has been subject to annual flooding in the basement which led to the growth of mould and mushrooms. It was discovered during an annual clean up of mould that asbestos was found in the basement walls and furnace room. Health Canada has sealed off the furnace area pending the complete removal of asbestos by Public Works Government Services.
Continues Chief Okesse; “We have called in independent investigators today to assess whether the building needs to be condemned. Regardless of the outcome, Health Canada has already sealed off the basement to the building due to asbestos. We have no way of testing the air quality in the building but nursing staff have started to complain about skin reactions. At this point, we have no other choice but to demand the cessation of operations until the facility is deemed safe for public health and usage.”
-30-
Eabametoong First Nation is a remote community, accessible by air only and located 155 kilometres northeast of Armstrong, Ontario.