Public Rally At VJH

Written by Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM Thursday, 30 June 2011 11:10

For the second time this week, a rally will be held outside Vernon Jubilee Hospital.  Nurses called for more staffing and beds on Tuesday, and on Friday, residents will gather at noon outside the new Polson Tower, to demand the same thing.  Organizer Peter Hill isn't sure how many people will show up but the message will be to encourage the province to complete the two shelled in floors.  He tells KISS FM, "When we contacted the doctors and medical staff, they made it clear to us that the overflow from the surgeries and need for acute beds has never been greater than it is now." A picture of the participants will be taken and sent to provincial government officials including the local MLA's, the Health Minister and Premier Clark.  Hill says they choose Canada Day after a lot of thought. "We thought it doesn't matter what day we choose, people are busy and we lead very busy lives, so not all can make it, but those that can, will be deeply appreciated." The hospital has funding for 148 beds, but is regularly over capacity.  Hill says they are not directly linked with the purple ribbon campaign and online petition but are supportive of that effort.  Vernon Monashee MLA Eric Foster has been invited to attend, plus local council members. Foster recently told KISS FM, he continues to push the Health Minister for the funding, saying it's a matter of when, not if.  It would cost about $30 million to equip and staff 60 new beds on the two floors.
Photo: VJH Polson Tower (P.McIntyre photo)