File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Doug Collins

One Man's Opinion

COLLINS: The NDP does it to us again

May 15, 2025 | 6:00 AM

YOU WOULD THINK WE WOULD KNOW BY NOW that trusting the NDP, especially in the field of medicine — and specifically cancer treatment — is treading on unstable ground.

A vast group of politicians and health experts this week asked for council support in pressuring the government to redesign plans for new cancer facilities in our region. They cited various deficiencies in the plans, including plans for two separate buildings for radiation and chemotherapy treatments. I can only speak from personal research and observation, but that sounds like a black hole for wasted money and inefficiency. A hole we don’t want to get lost in.

This group of critics also indicates that computer software in one building doesn’t talk to its neighbours. And most importantly, critical pieces of equipment will not be part of the project.

Specifically of concern is the lack of a PET/CT scanner. Most of us don’t even know what that is, but that little beauty could do so much — not only in cancer treatment but in specialized brain scans and other important treatment options. And it’s not the lack of the machine that’s the issue. It’s the fact that there is no place in the plans to put such a scanner when the money is available. That is absolutely abhorrent.

We have been told we are getting a state-of-the-art facility. We are not. We’re getting screwed again by the government. We’ve been promised better cancer treatment facilities for a long time. Things will be better when the facilities are complete, but it could be so much more.

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When you look at the larger picture, and the diversity of those calling on the government to take another look, you can see quickly that this is another NDP smoke and mirrors fiasco. While Kelowna and Vernon have just received new pieces of cutting-edge technology, we’re here trying to scrape together a decent proposal that can at least provide us with a bare modicum of progress. We’re already being told that recruitment will be more difficult with the current plans.

Outside of a couple of hospitals on the coast and one in Victoria, Royal Inland Hospital is the busiest hospital in the province. It’s hard to comprehend why the government can’t realize that and do what needs to be done to provide the level of care we need and deserve. One can only hope.

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.