Board demands minister’s attention

By RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star StaffAug 11 2006 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/
Growing concerns about conditions at Vernon Jubilee Hospital have drawn the attention of regional politicians. The North Okanagan Regional District board will demand a meeting with Health Minister George Abbott during the upcoming Union of B.C. Municipalities convention to discuss a lack of resources at the region’s only hospital. “It’s a topic that affects all of us in the region and it’s not going away,” said Jerry Oglow, Armstrong director. “This problem is significant and what is the province doing to resolve it?” In the past, physicians have indicated there is a shortage of beds and other resources at the hospital, while there is also a lack of new physicians moving to the area despite a growing population. Oglow garnered support from his colleagues at the table. “We need to bring a united front,” said Wayne Lippert, Vernon director. On Wednesday, NORD directors also agreed to write a letter of support for the District of Coldstream which is pushing to have conditions at the hospital addressed. In a letter to NORD, Mayor Gary Corner stated his council wants a review of physician resources and inadequate facilities. “The provision of adequate health services is of the utmost concern, seriously affecting residents, physicians and facilities within the catchment area of the Interior Health Authority,” he said. As part of a regional approach, Oglow also wants the regional district and other local jurisdictions to sit down and discuss the matter with physicians and officials from the IHA. Vernon council has scheduled a meeting with the doctors and IHA for Aug. 18.