Pressure growing over VJH conditions

By RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star StaffAug 20 2006 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/
Vernon politicians are preparing to lobby hard for improved conditions at the region's only hospital. Council members vow to get involved in the health care issue after meeting with Vernon Jubilee Hospital physicians and the Interior Health Authority Friday. "It does take political will. The money's there provincially and we need to put pressure on them," said Coun. Juliette Cunningham. Council was told about cramped conditions at VJH, a lack of resources and a serious shortage of doctors, nurses and technicians."We're in a crisis already and I can't imagine where we'll be in five years," said Cunningham. That is also the concern of Coun. Barry Beardsell. "We see a hospital that should really be bulldozed," he said. However, Beardsell expressed frustration over the provincial government's spending priorities. "All of the provincial money is earmarked for 2010 (Winter Olympics) and health care facilities go on the backburner," he said. IHA officials urged council to get directly involved and demand that the province place more resources in capital works, as well as training health care workers. "Capital dollars to rebuild or rejuvenate facilities are critical," said Joanne Konnert, chief operating officer for the Okanagan health service area. It was also suggested Friday that the city could bring some money to the table to address the recruiting of physicians, nurses and other professionals. "The city or corporate groups may offer scholarships in return for a five or 10-year service contract. Have a local person, pay their training and have them come back here," said Dr. Ed Hardy, with the VJH recruitment committee. Hardy also wants the city to aggressively market Vernon as a cultured, active place to live in the hopes of drawing doctors here. "There's still a sense in the large centres that Vernon is in the boonies," he said. IHA has plans for a new diagnostic and treatment centre within five years, but physicians claim it won't keep up with population growth. "While they're planning for 20 years (lifespan), the building could be there for 40 or 50 years. If we don't provide wiggle room, we will be in the same situation as now," said Dr. Ghee Hwang, a surgeon. However, Peter du Toit, VJH administrator, defended the process. "We're looking at the best data to use for planning," he said.