Macdonald reminds health minister of the need for continuous and assured funding for Norman Gagatek’s care at the Halvar Jonson Centre

VICTORIA – In estimates debate, Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald was able to again raise with the Minister of Health the need for Norman Gagatek to receive assurances that he will continue to receive funding for his care at the Halvar Jonson Centre in Ponoka, Alberta.

Macdonald reported to Minister Kevin Falcon the tremendous gains that Gagatek had made since his intensive therapy had begun.

“After 4 months at Halvar Jonson, Norm is sitting up,” Macdonald told the Minister.  “He can swallow and eat liquefied food.  He is laughing again and playing Wii with his family.

“This is a dramatic change.  Tremendous progress has been made.”

Gagatek’s partner Kim Harris credits Norman’s determination and the high quality and consistency of care that he receives at the brain injury centre for this improvement, reporting that the centre provides a minimum of 10 hours per week of speech therapy.

Macdonald reminded the minister of the first time he raised Gagatek’s situation in the House, when speech pathology services in Invermere were being cut.

“I first raised the issue with regards to Norm Gagatek when the speech pathologist was being removed, and there was deep concern that the cut to service would be devastating, that the loss of service would negatively impact his recovery,” continued Macdonald in the House.

Gagatek’s continued improvement depends on his ability to stay at Halvar Jonson through a full course of therapy and that continuity is dependent on the provincial government’s willingness to continue funding this level of care.

Macdonald asked the Minister specifically to assure Norman and his family that the funding for his placement at Halvar Jonson Centre for Brain Injury in Ponoka Alberta would continue.

“I know that Norman and his family are doing everything they can to work towards a full recovery.  I also know that the people of the Columbia Valley are supporting Norman. 

“I have met with dozens of Norman’s fellow firefighters who are committed to fighting for the best care for Norman.  I received and presented petitions to the House from 100’s of Valley residents calling on the Health Minister to provide continuing funding for Norman’s rehabilitation.  

“I was pleased to hear the Minister say that the position of the government is that patients like Norman will receive services for as long as is necessary until the health professionals make a determination that it would be appropriate for the individual to return to their community.  All the people who are fighting for Norman will make sure the Minister keeps that promise.”

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