Abbott says more beds for VJH

More beds coming? - CHBC Video
Web posted on Wednesday, 21 May 2008

There's hope the Vernon hospital will get more acute care beds, eventually.

107.5 KISSFM Pete McIntyre

Ministry of Health staff are not sure if it was a new promise, or just a slip of the tongue in the heat of a debate. During Question Period in the BC Legislature Tuesday, NDP health critic Adrian Dix criticised the Liberal government for not responding to doctor's concerns at Vernon Jubilee Hospital, despite 41 code purples this year. Health Minister George Abbott responded by saying VJH will be undergoing improvements, including much needed acute care beds. "Close to $100 million for a new ambulatory tower, for additional acute care beds, for improvements to the emergency department. All of that investment, Mr Speaker, (is) long overdue. The opposition promises, our government delivers Mr Speaker." Abbott later repeated the promise in response to NDP claims the government was ignoring the doctor's concerns. "Our government has delivered when it comes to Vernon Jubilee Hospital. They (NDP government) did nothing for ten years. We are going to deliver a new ambulatory tower, new acute care beds and close to $100 million investment in Vernon Jubilee Hospital." Up until this point, the government has not officially committed to funding more acute care beds, and have said some of the costs would have to picked up by regional taxpayers. When contacted by KISS FM News, Health Ministry officials weren't sure if Abbott was making a new promise, or if he had mis-spoke during a debate. The Minister is expected to issue a statement to media, clarifying the situation.
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Don Quixote Note: Full text of debate (or what passes for debate) at AVAILABILITY OF BEDS AT VERNON JUBILEE HOSPITAL