MLA supports rally at hospital
Citizens want changes at Vernon Jubilee Hospital and that has the local MLA’s endorsement.
Resident Peter Hill is organizing a rally in front of VJH’s new tower today at noon to call on the government to fund more acute care beds.
“Good on Mr. Hill,” said Eric Foster, Vernon-Monashee MLA.
“We have to find a way to get those beds open.”
Foster has been lobbying the ministries of health and finance to convert the two shelled-in floors in the tower to beds, but he says the public could also have significant influence in moving the project ahead.
“It’s democracy in action,” said Foster of today’s rally.
“Mr. Hill cares about what goes on in the community.”
Foster isn’t sure if he will appear at the rally.
“I will make an effort to get there but there are also Canada Day events in Vernon and Lumby and they overlap,” he said.
Conditions at the hospital were also the focus of a B.C. Nurses Union protest Tuesday.
At that time, BCNU president Debra McPherson said, “Where is the MLA for this area? Why isn’t he in the Legislature pounding the floor for families?”
Foster is upset with the perception that he is ignoring the issue.
“While she was in front of the hospital, I was in Victoria meeting with the Ministry of Health,” he said.
“If I pound much harder, my hands will be sore. I have been doing nothing but pounding for beds.”
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