The announcement on Friday April 27 by Health Minister Michael de Jong and Vernon-Monashee MLA Eric Foster that the government will finish and fund the top two floors of the VJH tower with capital and operating funding, was well received.
The journey to reach this day was long and arduous and several local individuals and groups deserve a thank you for their efforts in helping reach this milestone.
Many patients in the region have had to endure over-crowding conditions and it is hoped that sometime in the near future, patients will not have to endure such similar conditions. This is just the first step in what will be many more needed to be taken.
Some of the many people to be thanked for their participation in this effort include: The North Okanagan Columbia Shuswap Regional Hospital District Board, former Mayor Wayne Lippert and his council, Mayor Jim Garlick and his council, Mayor Rob Sawatzky and his council, Area B & C Directors, Chief Byron Louis, The North Okanagan Sikh Cultural Society, Linda Myers, Peter Hill, The Morning Star, and the patients, physicians, nurses, allied healthcare personnel, and citizens of the entire North Okanagan region.
Finally, we would like to thank our local MLA Eric Foster for carrying the torch to Victoria. Without his stubborn and tireless advocacy, the decision to complete these two floors would not have happened.
The purple ribbons were widespread. Thank you to all in your support. We look forward to this project quickly moving into the design and building stage and ask that you keep this support strong.
Let’s keep working towards achieving our common goal of providing appropriate capacity for excellent patient care at Vernon Jubilee Hospital and the Polson Tower.
Chris Cunningham, MD
Mike Concannon, MD
Ed Hardy, MD
David Arnold, MD
Hamish Hwang, MD
