Health Minister George Abbott admits there are substantial challenges at Vernon Jubilee Hospital, but he’s unwilling to commit funds to resolve those problems.
Abbott left a meeting with the North Okanagan-Columbia-Shuswap Regional Hospital District Friday with no guarantees the province will contribute financially. “We’ll make an announcement when all (feasibility) processes are complete. I hope we’re talking a relatively short time frame,” he said. The hospital district has agreed to provide 40 per cent or $32 million of the funding for an $80 million treatment and diagnostic tower, and $8 million for a $20 million upgrade to Shuswap Lake General
Hospital in Salmon Arm. The ministry’s three priorities are Shuswap Lake General, VJH and Kelowna General Hospital. “The discussions we have around planning reflect that,” said Abbott, adding that about $200 million is needed for necessary capital works at all three facilities. “Capital reinvestment in all three structures is long overdue. They are aging facilities and the communities they serve have grown dramatically.” But while he acknowledges there is a problem, Abbott says the ministry is dealing with similar situations across the province. “We need to do some priority setting for who gets what, when, where and why,” he said. “The demand for health care is mind-boggling. The cost pressures are not going away.” A request for proposals for the Shuswap Lake General project could occur early in the new year, but some issues still need 
to be worked out with VJH. Among them is whether the VJH tower would be constructed in conjunction with any work at Kelowna General Hospital, and if there is the ability to form a private/public partnership. Abbott told the hospital district board that its willingness to contribute 40 per cent of the funding could influence the government’s decision. “It absolutely provides us the assurance you are supportive and putting your money where your feelings are,” he said. Rhona Martin, hospital district chairman, believes her board’s commitment is significant, especially since the money will come from local property taxes. “We want to show the provinces we’re serious about this,” she said. That’s also the view of Wayne Lippert, Vernon director. “It speaks to how well everyone has got together to push on it,” he said of local health care needs.*********************************
Sunshine Tax confirmed by Health Minister is Don Quixote's version of same meeting.
To accept that "the money will come from local property taxes." rather than thoroughly explore the inequities between the property taxpayers in the lower mainland and the downloaded upon rest of the Province isn't leadership it is acquiescence*. That may have been the final result to ensure our place in line at the Provincial Health trough but we sure could have made sure that the Health Minister and our Local MLA knew that we were aware that we were been screwed. (Does the fact that we paid only 40% for this screwing make us any less of a John ?) Methinks thou dost protest too little ! (sic)
*acceptance without protest;
Accepting or complying without objection, thus implying the waiver of the right to legal action.
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