Thompson Regional Hospital District frustrated with lack of transparency on promised cancer clinic

O’Reilly understood that Royal Inland Hospital Executive Director Tracey Rannie was not able to fully speak to the matter, noting he’s looking to the Ministry of Health to step up.

“It wasn’t IH that’s going to wave the magic wand here today, it’s the Ministry of Health that needs to make this decision. And that’s who needs to step up and come to the table, and whether that’s Minister (Adrian) Dix or Premier (David) Eby who comes and makes that announcement here in Kamloops. We are flying blind at this point,” added O’Reilly.

“It’s a collaborative effort and ultimately the ministry, we are working closely with everyone and just waiting for approvals,” said Rannie.

Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Peter Milobar reiterated that this clinic was an NDP promise that he believes has been forgotten.

“But when the health minister refuses to answer any meaningful public questions, when he puts a gag order on IH to talk about a project as well. What is the public supposed to think other than that government is not very sincere in their commitment to get this built?” said Milobar.

Rannie confirmed that an upcoming meeting will be held with stakeholders such as the ministry, BC Cancer and Interior Health.

“We do meet with the ministry and there is also meetings with BC Cancer, Interior Health — there are lots of internal and external stakeholders. And as we are able to share, we will definitely be sharing the information,” stated Rannie.

It is possible that the funding request could be returned to the board this year, but that was not guaranteed on Thursday.

“The problem — and the amount of people needing radiation — is only growing and it will continue that way. We need a cancer centre in Kamloops now,” said O’Reilly.

by Michael Reeve

Thompson Regional Hospital District frustrated with lack of transparency on promised cancer clinic

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