Coldstream officials are not impressed with the government’s handling of overcrowding at Vernon Jubilee Hospital.
Council recently expressed concerns about a lack of acute care beds to Health Minister Michael de Jong, but a response came back from someone signing on behalf of Heather Davidson, assistant deputy minister.
“We deserved a letter from at least the minister. We expected a little better,” said Coun. Pat Cochrane.
In the letter, Davidson states that finding solutions to reduce overcapacity is multifaceted and no single solution will provide an answer.
“For example, some patients that are in acute care beds may be better cared for through residential care or in another community facility,” she said.
“Additionally, the following initiatives have been implemented to address congestion issues: the implementation of rapid access zone in the emergency department; shift rotation adjustments in the emergency department and ambulatory care centre; the addition of a registered nurse in the ambulatory care rotation, as well as a new ambulatory care manager; the relocation of orthopedic clinics off-site to create space; and 24/7 shift supervisors to help with access, flow and staff support.”
Davidson directs council to look at the Interior Health Authority’s website if it wants more information on current expansion initiatives.
“It’s not a very good reply,” said Coun. Gyula Kiss.
“It doesn’t address the questions and makes excuses.”
Physicians recently launched an online petition demanding the government provide funding for acute care beds in two shelled-in floors in the new patient care tower at VJH.
“We need to get it out to the public,” said Mayor Jim Garlick of the petition, which can be found at www.petitiononlinecanada.com/petition/vjh-purple-ribbon-campaign-petition/136.
“The doctors are working to get this organized and have included us in their meetings.”
