To the editor:
In autumn 2013, three Kamloops-based Urologists made an offer to the Interior Health Authority (IHA) to provide basic urology services to their Cariboo, Chilcotin and Williams Lake patients from the 100
Mile District General Hospital.
To my knowledge, this is the situation to date.
The offer of the specialists is still on the table.
The South Cariboo Health Foundation (SCHF) is prepared to purchase the $150,000 equipment required.
The hospital and staff welcome the services of the Urologists.
The SCHA has recently offered to cover the operational costs of $40,000 per year for two years.
But still the IHA, at minimal cost to its Authority, is not prepared to see this pilot project become a reality.
For the last year-and-a-half, the IHA has been stalling and putting up roadblocks.
This decision is a no brainer; the only piece missing is the good will of the Interior Health Authority. This pilot program will cost our cash-strapped health authority a mere pittance.
Those of us who need this specialized health care will be saved time, money and safety without our frequent trips to Kamloops, and our 100 Mile hospital's available space will be put to a valuable service, as well as increasing its service stats.
I encourage all Urology patients, their families and concerned citizens to write the Minister of Health Terry Lake asking that he intervene by calling upon the Interior Health Authority to stop hiding behind its "we have a policy" tactics and make this pilot project a reality.
If you would find it helpful, a draft letter to the minister is available as a guide to help you express your concerns and wishes regarding this pilot program. A copy of this outline can be picked up at the District of 100 Mile House District Office on Birch Avenue during regular office hours.
To ensure your letter directly reaches the health minister, drop it off at our local MLA Donna
Barnett's offices. She will deliver them into the hands of the health minister.
Gayle Dunsmuir
100 Mile House