North Okanagan residents are being urged to take a stand for their hospital.
A public rally will be held outside of the new tower at Vernon Jubilee Hospital Friday at noon to demand government fund more acute care beds.
“We are inviting all members of the community to attend,” said resident Peter Hill, the rally organizer.
“We want to send a message to the provincial government that it needs to complete the two shelled-in floors in the tower for beds. There is a need for the floors because of the overflow in the hallways.”
VJH receives funding for 148 acute-care beds but that number is frequently surpassed. There were 181 patients June 13.
It could cost $10 million to develop each of the shelled-in floors for use by patients, and then $10 million each annually to operate the floors.
However, Hill insists there is a need for more acute care beds because of the region’s aging and growing population.
He says response to the rally has been positive and the Canada Day holiday should provide time for people to attend.
“We want to be 100 per cent positive and not attack. We just want to request that the two floors be completed,” he said.
A photograph from the rally will be sent to MLAs Eric Foster and George Abbott, Finance Minister Kevin Falcon, Health Minister Michael de Jong and Premier Christy Clark.
Among those planning to attend Friday’s rally will be Vernon Coun. Bob Spiers, who has been promoting the need for additional beds at the hospital.
“Pressure has to come from the community. What carries the issue is the public,” he said.
Spiers points out that doctors, nurses and local politicians have had their say, and it is time for residents of the North Okanagan to get directly involved.
“A rally shows the concern from the broad spectrum from across the entire community,” he said.
