File photo (image credit - CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

ASHCROFT ER

‘Health care where and when you need it is not a reality in B.C.’; HAWC call for new model in Ashcroft

Jul 26, 2022 | 4:18 PM

KAMLOOPS — It’s a story that has become all too common in the region. A public outcry following yet another closure of a small town emergency department.

It’s not Merritt or Clearwater this time, but Ashcroft calling for a better healthcare model for their community.

In an open letter sent to Interior Health’s (IH) senior staff and local politicians, the Healthcare and Wellness Coalition (HAWC) wants answers, after the ER in Ashcroft was closed all weekend and conversations with IH have stalled. President of the Coalition, LeAnne Davies has been attempting to change the model in Ashcroft for years.

“We’ve been dealing with these same issues for the past three years. We have been in discussions with interior health at the Ashcroft health planning table. We are working towards a different model of care and it seems to be stalled,” said Davies.

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Unlike shortages in Kamloops and Clearwater, Ashcroft is not lacking nurses, they just need more physicians to help the department stay open seven days per week.

One of Davies’ main concerns is communication, as the latest ER closure was announced late on Friday afternoon (July 22), not allowing time for planning. The other is ensuring seven day per week care for everybody in the community.

“We are fully aware that plans may need adjustments as we move forward in the process. However, saying nothing has people wondering if we are heading towards a seven day a week model with improved access to care regardless of whether you have a doctor, or not. Timely communication helps build trust and information helps build hope – and basically -we are in dire need of both,” said Davies.