Thoughts on BC Politics and More

Lindsay Gill spent four days in Surrey Memorial Hospital’s emergency department in September. Gill had been admitted to the hospital soon after arriving, but the Surrey resident had to remain in an emergency department hallway while she waited for a bed to open up in a ward. The energy in the hallway was chaotic, and Gill told The Tyee she felt gratitude and awe for the staff navigating the overcrowded workplace, filled with upset patients. But emergency departments are not intended for the long-term care of patients, and being stuck in the hallway came with stress. She witnessed, for example, hospital security tackle a man at the foot of her bed ... CLICK HERE for the full story

The Conservative Official Opposition is calling on David Eby’s NDP government to provide Surrey’s hospital patients with the kind of care that patients in other parts of the province routinely expect. A new survey of 83 hospitals in Canada ranks Surrey Memorial Hospital in 83rd position, based on over 1,500 Google reviews from patients and family members.  In contrast, Mount Saint Joseph Hospital in Vancouver is ranked number one, while St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver is ranked number five. Both Vancouver General and Lions Gate Hospital rank in the top 10 for patient satisfaction. “David Eby and his government put hospital patients first,” provided that they live in Vancouver or the North Shore,” said Anna Kindy, MLA for North Island and Conservative Official Opposition Health Critic. “Surrey patients go to the very back of the line, 83rd position, to be exact.” “Scathing comments -  in over 1,500 Google reviews - tell us the real story about what’s going on at Surrey Memoria...

S he's said it before, and she said it again. "We will act decisively when our residents are left behind," she vowed, concerning the dearth of healthcare services here. "Together let us send a very clear message Surrey deserves nothing less than it's fair share and we intend to secure that." Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke presented a notice of motion at Monday's council, to be dealt with on May 12, on a point of "deep concern" given Surrey's population rivals Vancouver's, and is expected to surpass it within the next decade. "Yet our residents continue to face an alarming shortage of the critical healthcare resources" ... CLICK HERE for the full story

After years of lobbying from community groups, health-care workers, and local politicians, B.C.’s fastest-growing community will get a dramatic expansion, the premier announced Monday. Flanked by local MLAs, Fraser Health Authority brass and the health minister, David Eby told Surrey residents he was taking the first step in expanding Surrey Memorial Hospital with a second tower offering acute care services focused on children, obstetric and specialty medical care . . . . . . . . When CTV News asked how the province planned to pay for the expansion when there hadn’t been any mention of such a massive expenditure in last month’s budget, which outlines capital spending for three years, Eby explained that the business plan phase would now begin with consultations from stakeholders and the public. That process is expected to take 15 to 18 months . . . . CLICK HERE for the full story

Three times she went to Langley Memorial Hospital's emergency room for help. Three times, she said, she was sent home. But it turned out Trista Mandzuk, 39, did indeed desperately need help. She would later require emergency surgery and receive a devastating diagnosis ... CLICK HERE for the full story

  With frustrated doctors and staff at Surrey Memorial Hospital set to rally Saturday afternoon at city hall, B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix spoke at length Friday about plans to improve hospital conditions.   “We have, at Surrey Memorial Hospital, over base bed capacity every single day of this summer and now we’re entering the challenge of respiratory illness season," said Dix, when asked about the frustration expressed by hospital staff.   "So I’m with them" ... CLICK HERE for the full story