On Sept. 8, Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett announced some "great news" for the community's seniors and others with extended-care needs, now and in the coming years.
"[I am] happy to announce Interior Health intends to further expand residential care bed capacity by adding 14 beds to Fischer Place/Mill Site Lodge."
The long-term care beds will open in spring 2017, she explained.
They were among 29 new beds built in 2010 at the facility, with 15 officially opened then, and the remaining 14 beds held until the funding to open them was available.
"When we opened the beds, I said at the time that once the operating funds were there, we would open the beds. I have not stopped pursuing this with the Ministry of Health and with Interior Health."
When the new wing was built in 2010, Interior Health (IH) president and chief executive officer Dr. Robert Halpenny said the need was not sufficient in the area to justify providing more capacity.
Barnett said this expanded capacity is happening because the beds are there, built and ready to go, and “because of the commitment by all the people who held out to make it happen.”
"I remember standing there making that commitment. I have worked on it ever since to have it become a reality.
"And thanks to the Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District board, which collects 40 per cent of capital from our local taxpayers; our local taxpayers are a great part of this."
Barnett notes that opening these beds will also help free up the acute-care facility at 100 Mile District General Hospital, which is not intended for residential-care patients.
"They do a great job of looking after people of all needs, but we need to free up that [facility]."
The local MLA said "a lot of times now" when she phones the acute care staff to ask how many are waiting for residential care, or goes to see for herself, she has "never seen more than about 11 at one time" – so the 14 beds should, hopefully, clear up that wing for other patients.
Barnett added it is a "necessary" expansion for long-term care in the South Cariboo.
"As we get older, our need gets greater ... and the demographics here have definitely changed."
Asked if she thinks more people will now be able to stay in their own community, Barnett said she hopes they will, but that depends on what happens down the road.
"If the need continually increases, then yes. Of course, it is a challenge for Interior British Columbians having access close to home – to think that we can stay home forever – but it doesn't happen."
Barnett said the move opens more residential care beds to 100 Mile House than most smaller communities have across the province.
"We are very, very fortunate, because when this is completed, we will have 93 long-term care beds in this community.
"Our seniors have made an investment in this province, and now, we have to ensure that our investment is in them."