SOUND OFF: Increased access to care for rural patients

As an MLA living in and representing rural and remote communities, I know what it’s like to have to seek medical care far from home, and I know that people in my riding in the past have chosen not to seek care because the travel would be such a burden. This investment will make a huge difference for people who live in remote communities, whether it’s places in my constituency like Haida Gwaii or the Bella Coola valley, in the Interior, in Northern B.C., or in any corner of the province.

The Canadian Cancer Society is expanding three programs that will go a long way in helping patients living in rural areas.

Expanding accessibility to the Travel Treatment Fund means many more families will receive vital financial support, and expanding programs like Wheels of Hope into areas of Vancouver Island and the Kootenays will help people sleep better at night. The Canadian Cancer Society is also eliminating patient fees at all four cancer care lodges.

These are the kinds of details that make meaningful and positive impacts on patients in our rural communities.

Hope Air will be able to offer their services to more patients and their families dealing with a cancer diagnosis and treatment. They’ll also expand the services they offer while improving on how they deliver them, to make sure we’re delivering patient care in a more understanding and caring way.

They will ensure changes to medical appointments can be accommodated with no cancellation or rescheduling fees paid by the patient so that people can be empowered to make decisions that’s best for them and their health.

Another benefit will be improved coordination between Hope Air and local hospitals, health authorities, clinics and social workers.

These changes will help patients and their families focus less time and energy on planning, worrying, advocating and problem solving and more time caring for themselves, their loved ones and getting the rest they need.

We are lucky to have world-class cancer care at six BC Cancer Centres and 41 Community Oncology Network sites throughout the province, but the size of British Columbia and all of our remote and rural communities means that not everyone has an easy time accessing these services.

In September we released the StrongerBC: Good Lives in Strong Communities vision to commit to making sure that people who love living in small, rural and remote communities in B.C. are set up to thrive. This commitment to helping rural British Columbians at one of the most vulnerable times in their lives access health care is a part of that vision.

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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.

by Jennifer Rice, Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Health and North Coast MLA

SOUND OFF: Increased access to care for rural patients

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