Time for a Change: Why Our Healthcare System Deserves Better

The State of Healthcare in Vernon-Lumby

Let’s be honest; we can seriously do better when it comes to our healthcare system. The recent events unfolding in our community have left many of us feeling frustrated and angry. It’s hard to believe how mismanaged our healthcare system has become, especially during a time when we desperately need improvement and support. The truth is, it doesn't take a healthcare expert to see that there's something wrong with our current state. Imagine having to travel to Penticton by ambulance for 2 hours while in active labour - due to staffing shortages at Vernon Jubilee Hospital. Another clear example of failed NDP healthcare policies.

What's Happening to Our Patients and Nurses?

A new Vernon mom was forced to travel by ambulance to Penticton while in active labour to deliver her baby. My heart goes out to both Kristen as well as the nurses who had to send a young lady away seeking care. It’s a heartbreaking situation that echoes the feelings of many in our community. Nurses are the backbone of the healthcare system, yet they seem to be set up for failure by the government’s lack of support. Instead of allowing these dedicated professionals to provide the quality care we deserve, they seem to be constantly grappling with shortages and overwhelming demands.

The Need for Change

It’s absolutely maddening to consider that while government expenditure has increased by 40 percent over the past seven years, not even a fraction of that has been directed to frontline healthcare. Our hospitals should be beacons of hope, but instead, they often feel like under-resourced facilities struggling to keep up. We have a big, beautiful hospital in Vernon-Lumby that deserves the support and resources necessary to thrive. It's time to demand better and hold our leaders accountable for their actions.

Let’s raise our voices and advocate for our healthcare system. It’s essential to acknowledge that we all depend on quality healthcare services, and right now, we are falling short. We need to put our focus back on improving services, ensuring adequacy in staffing, and providing our healthcare professionals with the necessary tools they need to effectively do their jobs.

We can’t sit idle while our healthcare continues to deteriorate. If the government's actions reflect a genuine commitment to the people, they need to prove it by prioritizing healthcare. The community of Vernon-Lumby deserves a healthcare system that is not only functional but flourishing. Together, we can push for change, support our nurses, and create a healthcare system we can all feel proud of.

Join the conversation, share your thoughts, and let’s work together to ensure that the health of our community is put first. We can and must do better.