The chief of Medical staff at the South Okanagan General Hospital Dr. Peter Entwhistle told Oliver Town council last Monday that:

1. The number of funded acute care beds remains stable and expected not to be reduced

2. ER Emergency Room remains very busy with 18 thousand visits a year

3. Increased specialization has resulted in the regionalization of maternity, pediatrics and surgery

4. Hospital serves Osoyoos and Oliver and wants to provide the right care at the right time and place

5. Fortunate to be available to recruit medical and nursing staff

6. Recognition that parts of SOGH are a little dated and designed to meet standards of another era and the staff do the best job possible under those circumstances.

7. Hoping to be appointed as a pilot for enhanced rural health care – the hospital is known for its implementation of IT in health care and the skills of dietitians, respiratory therapist and nurses to help with chronic conditions like heart and lung disease and diabetes.

8.  Substantial upgrades to the existing facilities are needed especially the ER