COLLINS: No one has a clue how to solve our health care crisis

It’s been reported that there have been 216 closures this year already. Many of the closures have hit smaller communities like Merritt, Clearwater, Barriere and Ashcroft, and if we look further afield, places like Kitimat are even worse. Governments have tried incentives in the form of bonuses and help with the cost of living. That’s a path that will lead to a dead-end pretty quickly.

Why? Because if the health care worker doesn’t want to live in Fort St. James, he’s not going to stay and will get out of town as quickly as he can.

Here’s what needs to happen. First of all, a plan must be put in place to provide more openings for all levels of care, including doctors, nurse practitioners, right on down the line. We’re not even close to what we need. Don’t hand out one-time gifts, pay those workers a premium for working in these areas.

And to my mind, we have to take time to vet the candidates. We want people who can connect with their community and remain a part of it. If we found a person who really wanted to live and raise their family in Logan Lake, that should give them a foot up, don’t you think.

I have lots more to say but let’s save that for another day. I only know this for sure, if we don’t find a way to provide more help and ease the pressure on the current staff, we will never have this problem resolved.

I’m Doug Collins and that’s One Man’s Opinion.

——

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.

by Doug Collins

COLLINS: No one has a clue how to solve our health care crisis

Our Community