Doctors state their case for VJH

Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star  Published: April 20, 2011 1:00 AM
 Physicians are cautiously optimistic although they haven’t been promised extra funding for beds at Vernon Jubilee Hospital.  Medical staff representatives made Health Minister Michael de Jong aware of overcrowding issues during a one-hour  meeting Tuesday.  “Basically the Ministry of Health was very receptive to physician input,” said Dr. Michael Concannon, an emergency physician who participated in the session.  “No decision was made by the ministry but information is being taken back to Victoria.” VJH receives funding for 148 acute-care beds but that number is frequently surpassed. At one point earlier this year, there were 192 patients admitted.  Physicians claim that even once the new patient care tower opens in September, there will be a shortage of acute-care beds.  De Jong was told Tuesday that there is an immediate need to develop two shelled-in floors in the tower to increase available beds.  “I think the doctors made a very convincing case to finish both — not just one — floors,” said Concannon. “We eagerly look forward to the ministry’s decision on an issue which is of critical importance to our patients.”  When asked if VJH is a priority for his ministry, de Jong pointed out that this was his first stop since being named minister a few weeks ago.  “We went through, in detail, the pressure that’s being faced here,” he said of the meeting with the doctors.  “The physicians pointed out that there are days when Vernon Jubilee is above capacity.”  However, de Jong says his ministry must look at the situation further and he can’t guarantee funding.  “It’s not just about capital (developing the floors),” he said. “If you don’t have money to operate the facility, you haven’t accomplished anything.” The Interior Health Authority has previously stated it could cost about $10 million to complete each of the shelled-in floors and then $10 million each annually to operate the floors (with 30 beds each).  While much of the focus during a media interview was on overcrowding, de Jong insisted the government has invested in local health care through the $180 million patient care tower at Vernon Jubilee Hospital. “This will be a state-of-the-art facility that’s world-leading,” he said.  The tower will include operating rooms, a new emergency department, an intensive care unit and cardiac care, a new maternity and pediatrics ward and an outpatient department.  “There’s a lot to be proud of about the facility we are standing in front of,” said de Jong.

Besides the doctors, pressure for funding came from Eric Foster, Vernon-Monashee MLA Tuesday. “This is the top priority for us in the riding and we need beds,” he said, adding the government must consider its financial resources before committing to further enhancements at VJH.  “There’s a balance between what the needs are and what the cheque book will allow,” he said.  IHA officials state that a number of actions have been taken to address overcrowding at VJH, including more staff during peak periods and increasing the number of residential care beds in the community to free up acute care space. Norm Embree, IHA chairperson, also believes the opening of the tower this fall may improve the situation.  “This will be a lot better-run facility and we will have to see how it sorts itself out. There are needs everywhere,” said Embree.  Health care providers recently launched a campaign asking residents to wear purple as a way of pressuring the government to fund more beds. The ribbons are available at local medical clinics and the campaign includes a Facebook page.  As a result of public concerns, the City of Vernon has invited the physicians to make a presentation to council April 26.  “I want people to get involved in the campaign and to show support for our doctors,” said Coun. Bob Spiers.  Interior Health Authority representatives will appear before Vernon council at a future date.