100 Days To Tower Opening

Written by Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM Friday, 17 June 2011 11:46

The countdown is on to the opening of the new 180 million dollar Vernon hospital building.  A ceremony was held to mark 100 days until the first patients will use the Polson Tower on Sunday, September 25.  A special clock was unveiled to count down the time. Among the speakers was Dr. Dave Arnold, chief of the medical staff, who says the new faciliy will improve health care, and is progress.  "I think, however, it's absolutely critical that we continue that progress, and when we get into this beautiful tower in September that progress continues. There are still needs and barriers to patient care that need to be addressed."  Vernon Monashee MLA Eric Foster told the media, he continues to lobby the health minister for new bed funding for two shelled in floors at the top of the new tower.  "It's all about us trying to get our share of the money, and we've got other areas that think we've already got a pretty big share, so it's not going to be an easy push, but we're pushing hard." Foster hopes to hear more on the funding in the next month. "I've met with the Health Minister three or four times, and we're going to go to treasurer to see what's there. That's the next step"  Foster continues to insist the funding is a matter of when, not if.  "We're going to put beds on those two floors, no question about it, or they wouldn't have been built. It's all about when. Of course I want it sooner, and we're just trying to find the money." Media and hospital staff were given tours of the seven story facility today.  Staff are spending the next few months getting trained on the new equipment before the public opening.

Photo: Civic and health officials unveil the new Polson Tower countdown clock at ceremony Friday (P. McIntyre photo)