A crowd estimated at 700+ crammed into a conference room at the Penticton Convention centre – with additional chairs being brought in delaying the start of a pro hospital meeting tonight.

Local doctors organized the event designed to show concern for a lack of provincial funding for hospital infrastructure in Penticton. Everyone who entered was given the choice of signing a letter to the Minister of Health, Margaret MacDiarmid  stating “the planning for the expansion of the Penticton Regional Hospital has been going on for the last decade and the health case for a new ambulatory wing has been proven” – the letter goes on to say the funds needed should be made available in the 2013 Budget.

Spokesman for the Doctors – Dr. David Paisley says “tell those in power that we need a patient care tower” – speaking with a TV crew prior to the meeting Paisley says Penticton Hospital is in crisis” – “we are still treating you in surgery rooms designed for just a bed and a lamp”.

Doctors say the local hospital is overcrowded and a major crisis is looming until the facility gets much-needed upgrades.

Paisley, president of the Penticton Medical Society, said the 62-year-old hospital is running at, and sometimes beyond capacity.