Rhetoric doesn't benefit hospital

Morning Star Editorial June 19

It shouldn't really come as a surprise, but the growing political rhetoric over Vernon Jubilee Hospital is unfortunate. NDP brass made a stop in Vernon Wednesday to raise concerns about conditions at the hospital. And while their comments were likely genuine, one can't forget that the NDP want to undermine the Liberals' credibility in an attempt to regain power in Victoria. It should also be pointed out that during its 10 years in government, the NDP did little to improve conditions at VJH. In fact, the only focus seemed to be on scrapping the hospital board which was ideologically opposed to the NDP's stance on abortion. But for the Liberals to dodge current responsibilities by bringing up the failings of the NDP is pathetic. The present and the future are what counts, and there is no question of significant problems at VJH. Code purple has become an almost daily occurrence, and patients are left sitting in halls. The new diagnostic and treatment tower is a positive start, but it will do nothing to address shortages with acute care beds and nurses. The Liberals have been in power since 2001 and they've dropped the ball since then. Speaking to the media Wednesday, Vernon Taxpayers Association spokesman Tony Stamboulieh stated that VJH is "an issue that crosses all political borders." And Stamboulieh couldn't have been more right as hospitals serve the needs of everyone no matter their age, gender, colour, cultural background or political allegiance. It's time for the Liberals and the NDP to recognize that reality and work towards improving health care, instead of waging a childish war of politics.