Vernon city councillor Bob Spiers says he is ``shocked'' only 65 people have signed an online petition urging the BC government to fund more patient care beds at Vernon Jubilee Hospital. Spiers spoke to reporters Monday, 11 days after the online petition began seeking five-thousand signatures. He said doctors and nurses have told the public there is a chronic overcrowding problem and he urged the public to get behind the medical staff's Purple Ribbon campaign. ``Politicians have put on...pressure by supporting it through resolutions,'' says Spiers. ``It's got to come from the people.'' Health Minister Mike de Jong has stated the province will take a look at possible ways to resolve the matter. Health staff have said two empty floors of the new Polson Tower should be filled with new beds and staff. The tower opens in September.
For those wishing to sign the petition the address is as follows:
http://www.petitiononlinecanada.com/petition/vjh-purple-ribbon-campaign-petition/136
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Purple Ribbon Campaign Fizzles
A local politician is baffled at the lack of response to the Purple Ribbon campaign. Councillor Bob Spiers says only 65 people have signed the online petition in support of more bed funding at the new Polson Tower, well short of the 5-thousand goal. "I'm shocked. I thought a lot of people would go online and do it. Some may be scared about putting their name and email address on an online site, but that shouldn't deter them as far as I'm concerned." Spiers says the Health Ministry has to know its important to residents. "The pressure has to come from the people. The politicians have put on as much pressure as they can by supporting it with resolutions." The campaign was initiated by staff at the hospital, and is supported by the BC Nurses Union and NDP leader Adrian Dix.Click HERE to find out more about the campaign.
Photo: Purple ribbon in tree next to VJH (P McIntyre)
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