What does health care mean to you? How does
health care in British Columbia affect you and your loved ones? Do you have
access to good health care in your community? What would you like to see
improved?
I know that rural health care has suffered
greatly in the last few years. Funding, services, and staffing levels have been
cut, despite a great deal of effort and protest from the communities they are
meant to serve.
I hear stories every day from families who
can’t find a doctor, from individuals who can’t access the services they need
to be well, and from people who have to travel many hours for cancer
treatments. Health care workers are often stressed and over-worked, and many
feel under supported by the current system.
In the news are stories of seniors being
separated after a lifetime of marriage, and over-use of drugs as a method of
restraint. We know that “In 82 percent of care
homes, we are not meeting existing guidelines regarding staffing levels” (Judy
Darcy, NDP MLA for New Westminster on April 14, 2016 in the BC Legislature).
We need to do better! The BC New Democrats believe that all BC residents
deserve access to quality health care. There must be more accountability; Communities
should have more input into how health services are provided, and that is
something we will pursue as a provincial government. As well, we have a plan to
eliminate unfair MSP premiums, as has already been done in the other provinces.
I look forward to being part of a government that wants to see change,
and that works toward improving care
in our province. I want to work with John Horgan and the other dedicated NDP
MLA’s who care deeply about our seniors and everyone who needs better care.
Please consider supporting me to become your NDP candidate in the provincial
election next May. I can get the job done!
