MONTAGUE — Relocating dialysis service to major centres is just another step by the province to close rural hospitals for good, says a Souris businessman and advocate.

Allen MacPhee was guest speaker at a recent Montague Rotary Club meeting and said closing dialysis units in Souris and Alberton is all part of the “centrist” vision being exhibited by the Liberal government at the expense of rural Prince Edward Island.

“We’ve lost the local hospital boards where the local region had a voice and now we’re facing another move towards closing rural hospitals,’’ said MacPhee, who also encouraged Rotarians to join the protest planned at Province House Tuesday evening.

The Souris businessman said government has provided no rationalization on the dialysis closures – which would force sick people to drive hours to be assisted – and has ignored public consultation on the issue.  He also said there is no indication the move would even save money.

“Right now these patients are served by excellent nurses in their home region, but send them all to Charlottetown or Summerside, and you clog the system and require he services of the nephrologist who drops by and says hello and another $3,000 in fees are chalked up that taxpayers don’t pay now.”

MacPhee said specialized nurses in the Souris region have been guaranteed to be paid travel time and mileage if they travel to Charlottetown to work for a one-year period.

“There is a great sucking of rural tax dollars happening right now for the benefit of the centre,” he said. “We’re in the last throes of Charlottetown trying to make the budget work; otherwise we’re headed for bankruptcy.”

MacPhee invited Rotarians to be part of the protest planned to support rural health options by gathering at 6:45 p.m. at Peakes Quay on May 29 and march to Province House.

“It’s not just about rural life,’’ he said. “It’s for ethics and values that we cherish. You don’t bully the most vulnerable….you do not tax the sick you help them.”

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