Last week, we witnessed the strain of our health care system as it collapsed for multiple days in a row. On July 4, we all watched daily posts from official B.C. health accounts telling British Columbians, with sometimes only one hour’s notice, that the emergency room was closed overnight and that it would reopen the next morning.
It goes without saying that this is a very serious development at Cariboo Memorial Hospital. We must do better for our community, our healthcare professionals and for the patients who rely on life-saving care that should be provided around the clock
This is not something that has occurred in the decades this facility has served our residents. Cariboo Memorial Hospital was able to adequately function and serve its critical purpose in our community. However, we first witnessed the signs of the strain we are seeing today last October when patients were greeted with a sign that indicated that unless you were “imminently dying” you would not be admitted.
Since then, things have gotten worse, and we now face unpredictable closures that are simply not acceptable. It is safe to say that residents along with myself have weighed in with many suggestions and possible solutions to help relieve some of the pressure.
More trained staff, consideration given to wages for care aides, faster turnarounds on approvals for paperwork, many suggestions, but alas the strain appears to be growing.
I also have now had the opportunity to reach out to our province’s health minister to share the many letters I have received from concerned residents and patients outlining the many serious situations that have occurred during these closures. This is a challenge that requires the full attention of our provincial government and Interior Health to solve.
We must seek change; many lives depend on it. It’s also important to note that there are massive amounts of gratitude, respect and appreciation that we must offer to Cariboo Memorial Hospital staff and to 100 Mile House and Quesnel.
They have been filling the gap in our emergency rooms. These facilities and staff are doing double-duty, and we must not risk their capacities and the potential for more emergency room closures in the province. As we continue to enjoy the beautiful warm B.C. summer months, let's not turn a cold shoulder to these problems.
Over the coming weeks, I am looking forward to sharing strong, sensible healthcare policies that will finally put patients first, end hallway healthcare and will protect and support our talented medical professionals.
