Dear editor,
Here we go again. The never-ending argument for and against a one regional hospital versus two community hospitals continues.
Mr. Hagensen from Campbell River accuses others of not having their facts correct. He argues that 19,000 signatures somehow represents a “vast majority” of citizens in favour of a two-hospital plan.
In the two communities there is a population total of over 98,000 according to VIHA and community-based websites. I hardly would count 19,000 (roughly 20 per cent) as a vast majority (and those who know me would agree I am no math wizard).
The Comox Valley has historically experienced one of the fastest growth rates in B.C. and has continued this trend over the past five years by achieving an increase of nine per cent.
The population of the Comox Valley is currently estimated at 64,642 (BC Stats 2010 Estimate) and is projected to increase by almost two per cent a year over the next five years. The population of Campbell River is 29,572, and, search as I might, I could not find a calculated growth estimate.
Mr. Hagensen goes on to argue that the “majority” of doctors and specialists have been vocal about supporting the two-hospital plan. Really? I have seen not one letter from a physician or specialist who has.
I work regularly with the surgeons and specialists at St. Joseph’s (so I cannot speak for those in Campbell River) and I have never once heard from any doctor or nurse colleague that anything but a regional hospital is what we need.
Until we have a regional hospital, funding will continue to be split and be ineffective for those who need it most.
I guess “preserving and expanding on current services offered” may have seemed good enough for 19,000 people. Personally, it sounds like crap.
This community is growing and we deserve better for the tax dollars we spend. Our children and grandchildren deserve better.
How do we attract the specialists like cardiac surgeons, neurosurgeons, allergy and immunology specialists, endocrinologists, pediatrics, oncologists (cancer), maxillo-facial/plastic/reconstructive surgeons, neonatologists, respiratory specialists etc. etc. to community hospitals rather than a regional well-funded hospital?
Realistically, even with a regional hospital, travel may be required for diagnosis and treatment for some patients. But we should not have to travel to Victoria for cardiac care or to see an allergist for heaven’s sake!
VIHA did indeed cave to the vocal minority. The silent majority needs to stand up, put on their big people pants, and speak up.
Until this happens, this debate over health care for our and our children’s future will continue to be a politician’s dream. “Keep them bickering amongst themselves and we have permission to do nothing.”
Instead of wasting effort in argument, if the other 75,214 who did not sign the two-hospital petition stood up, contacted VIHA and demanded a regional hospital for the entire north island, and demanded appropriate and fair funding for our health care, and demanded funding for affordable senior’s housing and independent living needs, then perhaps the “suits” in Victoria might pay attention.
Then perhaps we would have some sod turned somewhere, sometime in the next decade. We’ve already wasted one arguing.
Barbara Mellin, R.N.,
Comox
