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.

Bay Ferries extending the season for the Cat out of Yarmouth

The Cat ferry from Yarmouth to Portland will have an extended season this summer.

Bay Ferries say the ferry will begin sailing June 1st and the season will be extended into mid-October…two weeks earlier and two weeks later than last season. It’s hoped that will bring more passengers at the end of the season. However, Bay Ferries president Mark MacDonald wouldn’t make passenger predictions in an appearance before a legislature committee. They carried over 35,000 passengers last season…well short of their goal.