File photo (Image credit: CFJC Today).
ONE MAN'S OPINION

COLLINS: Finally, a breath of fresh air

Apr 24, 2025 | 6:00 AM

I HAVE ADVOCATED for some time now that we need new directions in providing primary health care. And finally, some new possibilities are showing up.

Councillor Kelly Hall served a notice of motion Tuesday for council to discuss a plan that is operating well in Colwood. This plan, in rough terms, sees doctors become municipal employees, paid for by the City of Kamloops. It gives doctors more opportunity to work with patients than worry about paperwork. It could be part of an integrated system that could do some serious damage in reducing wait times and allowing more people access to primary care physicians.

I have advocated for a tiered system with a physician or nurse practitioner at the head, nurses to help triage and take care of less serious issues, and on down the line. There could be a lab or x-ray component.

I don’t know a lot about Councillor Hall’s proposal, but this is the kind of proposal that bears discussion. There are lots of questions, which is not surprising.

Colwood is much smaller than Kamloops. How would it work in a larger centre?

Colwood is probably a more attractive place to live than many other centres. How easy could it run in rural areas?

How much will it cost compared to other platforms?

These are all just openers but it’s a great start, so much better than the usual NDP fix of throwing a few bucks at something and making up a photo op.

So a big shout out to Councillor Kelly Hall for identifying some new thoughts, Colwood for having the vision to take risks and to those of us anxious to build something better. Hopefully the government just doesn’t shove it all under the table.

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

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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.