Gentlemen, ( Government of BC )

I felt compelled to write after reading Mrs. Val Somerville’s letter to the local newspaper, re the need for Oliver Doctors to get more help from the government, so they can be on the same compensation schedule as Penticton Regional Hospital.

My husband Alan Porter and I moved to Willow Glen Subdivision in Oliver on Nov. 8th/06.  We had moved here because the hospital was close and we had been accepted as patients by one of Olivers’ doctors.

Through the night on Nov. 25/06, Al took a massive heart attack and when contacted the ambulance staff, nurse and doctor on duty responded extremely quickly and efficiently to get Al stabilized at our SOGH and then to Penticton for specialized treatment. At this time I sent a letter to The Oliver Chronicle entitled “Oliver – Small But Mighty” giving thanks for Al’s treatment etc.  In Mar/07 he received a pacemaker.

On Oct. 28/07 Al took a smaller heart attack and again the ambulatory staff, nurses and doctors moved quickly to get him stabilized .

On Jan/09 Al had a stroke on the left side, again we had quick and efficient treatment before he was sent to Penticton Regional Hospital.

I stated in my earlier letter that I felt we had been guided in our decision to locate in Oliver, and I feel that has been proven several times.  It was having the ambulatory staff, nurses and doctor on duty who saved Al’s life and were are very grateful for this.

Like Mrs. Somerville and Al, all who live in our “Small But Mighty Town” whether young or old, sick or in good health, we need our ER and our doctors who do their best to serve us, sometimes giving up special times with their own loved ones.  Sickness can strike when least expected!

This is the time for all people in this area to get behind this cause.  You never know – it could be later than you think for you and/or yours if we have to go out of town for medical help.

Sincere thanks to All Medical Staff at SOGH, the Ambulatory Staff and Our Personal Doctors.

Gratefully, Joan Heatherington