Hospital denies it turned away Lionel Desmond

A senior official at St. Martha’s Hospital in Antigonish is refuting allegations made by the family of Lionel Desmond that he was turned away from the hospital because of a lack of beds when he went there seeking help for his P-T-S-D.

Dr. Minoli Amit issued a statement yesterday saying no one was turned away or refused services. Dr. Amit says the hospital’s emergency room has never been closed and hospital staff routinely work through bed shortages to provide care for anyone seeking help.

The first of the funerals will be held today for Lionel Desmond and his mother Brenda in Tracadie. Shanna and Aaliyah Desmond’s funeral will be held tomorrow.