A report on Wednesday’s meeting with the Health Minister ~~

The time with Health Minister Mike de Jong was well spent and while none of us anticipated any commitment, he did offer these comments: 

“I have a much better understanding of the situation after your comments and I want to ensure that the facility remains open.”   “The provincial government is in a position to consider requiring additional training for nurse practitioner to allow them to assist with procedures presently performed by doctors alone.” “There are short term and medium term solutions which the government will consider and I shall do everything I can with the assistance of MLA John Slater to try to achieve a solution.”

Statements attributed to the Minister given by Mayor Pat Hampson. Oliver’s Mayor along with Mayor Stu Wells, RDOS Hospital District Chair Walter Despot and two regional directors Allan Patton and Mark Pendergraft met with the Minister Wednesday in Vancouver. They were accompanied by Dr. Evans and Dr. Kane of Oliver.

Local doctors have given notice that in July they will withdraw emergency ward services until there is pay parity with Penticton doctors.

Oliver’s South Okanagan General Hospital handles about 18000 cases each year – many of them in the busy summer period.