Dr. Steven Evans, interviewed on camera by CHBC,  says that a recent government announcement on ER funding is “pretty good” but the paperwork indicates that restrictions in funding could be a deal breaker.

Dr. Evans, with a practice in Oliver say other doctors who serve at the ER (South Okanagan General Hospita)l are not likely to sign on to the agreement at the present time.

Will the Emergency Ward be fully staffed 24/7 this August? Not likely unless government officials sit down with local doctors and ease their fears.

The provincial government has provided up to $200 thousand extra per rural hospital and Evans says under the conditions each and every 24 hour day must be staffed or all the money has to be returned. He says that appears very restrictive with no flexibility.