For those living in Oliver and Osoyoos, Project Recovery is still underway. SOGH is our hospital, and health concerns every one of us. How many of you are interested in pursuing our rights in the face of bureaucracy — the rights we voted for, are taxed for and are entitled to?
In December 2001, the current structure, IHA, was introduced: to be “patients first”, to “protect local input in the delivery of services”, that “the Ministry of Health hold health authorities accountable.”
In the end, it is we who are financing our own defeat — I believe, we believe, that gives us a right to input.
Are we better off now? Do we have any say?
Does the government retain any say? Be careful how you answer that one.
A recent quote in valley papers by Eli Sopow, says many organizations operate on the “3 Ds system”: Deny, Delay, Discredit.”
As I told the doctor who got me on to this project: “I am not the first to take a kick at IHA, or call them in to question, and I won’t be the last.”
My comments are not health related, but related to the health of the project. The same doctor says, “If there are no results now, it may be a seed for the future — what is being asked for is not unreasonable.”
And with enough concerted pressure they might just have to grant us something, says a prominent MLA.
We are planning a public meeting, and if you have any suggestions they would be very welcome, and if you would like us to let you know in advance of the meeting, please call: 250-495-6702. Thank you.
Buryl Jonas Slack
Osoyoos
