I’VE USED THIS SPACE before to talk about the healthcare crisis in the Shuswap and other communities across B.C. but sadly, instead of seeing any improvement, we’re just continuing to see the situation get worse.

Last week, I heard from an acquaintance of mine who recently moved to Merritt. Her 10-month-old granddaughter came down with a severe Illness that required immediate medical attention. After calling up all the medical clinics in town and finding there were no doctors able to help, nor a walk-in clinic to turn to, she resorted to taking her granddaughter to the E.R. at Nicola Valley Hospital — only to find it had been temporarily closed due to staff shortages.

She was directed to drive to Kelowna to find a walk-in clinic there. Instead, she opted to drive nearly an hour to Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops with an infant who was violently throwing up and choking in the backseat. Can you imagine how helpless and scared this grandmother felt as she desperately sought to find someone — anyone — to provide care to her granddaughter? Watching a baby turn blue from vomiting in the rear-view mirror, while trying to focus on the road and avoid a crash at the same time? It’s unconscionable.

When they finally made it to Kamloops after that harrowing journey, she reports the amazing staff at Royal Inland Hospital — which has seen its share of staff shortages and crises — provided excellent care for her granddaughter who is now doing well.

Health Minister Adrian Dix simply cannot just shrug his shoulders and accept this as just a regular day in B.C.’s healthcare system. We cannot allow this to continue. We cannot allow this to become normal. Whatever Minister Dix says he is doing to alleviate the pressure on the system, it’s simply not working.

The NDP has also continued to blame a lack of funding from the federal government for much of what ails our healthcare system, all while doing little to address the problems themselves. During the meeting of Canada’s premiers in Victoria this week, health care was central to the discussion, but Ottawa has responded saying provinces should not expect additional funding anytime soon. It’s clear the responsibility to solve the healthcare crisis lies solely with our NDP government, but unfortunately, they haven’t proven they are willing to put in the work that will be required to do so.

It’s bad enough that one-in-five British Columbians can’t access a family doctor for routine medical examination and treatment. It’s another when people can’t access urgent help in the middle of an emergency. We need stronger and more effective action from this NDP government, and we need it now.

Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.

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