Photo: Castanet / archive
Kelowna-Mission MP Renee Merrifield
UPDATE 6 p.m.
The staffing crisis in Kelowna’s oncology department is similar to that being experienced by health care providers across Canada, says BC Cancer.
In a statement to Castanet, the agency that manages the treatment of cancer in BC, says that discussions on how to adapt to the lack of staff “have been carried out at all levels.”
The leaked note to Castanet, who painted a terrible picture of the situation at the BC Cancer Center in Kelowna, is part of the “ongoing and proactive talks” the agency is holding with its partners “about short-term solutions. and long – term mitigation. ” impact on patient care “.
“New oncology sites funded by the Ministry of Health are currently being hired and the province has continued to invest in cancer care in BC,” the statement continued.
“This investment is helping to strengthen our BC cancer care team in Kelowna and across the province, adding the necessary capacity now and preparing us for the future. Recruitment is underway for all positions, in an environment difficult to hire “.
Providing the best possible care to patients is a priority for BC Cancer, the agency added.
ORIGINAL 16:40 h
BC Cancer remains remarkably silent, despite multiple requests for comment on critical staff shortages at the agency’s regional cancer care center in Kelowna.
A leaked note obtained by Castanet earlier this week states that the oncology department at Kelowna General Hospital operates at 55% of the planned staff.
In addition, he says the situation is not expected to improve until at least the fall, which will lead to “record” waiting times for patients.
While BC Cancer has remained silent, Kelowna-Mission MP Renee Merrifield has not.
The former BC Liberal health critic described the situation within the oncology department as serious and suggested that it was time for the government to take action.
Merrifield says the NDP government is dragging its feet to fund a province-wide cancer plan.
“This 10-year plan has been in the works for five years … despite repeated requests to see this plan from me and my colleagues, the Minister of Health says he is still working on it,” Merrifield said in a statement. .
“Now, here we are, learning the truth about how bad things have turned out in Kelowna for BC Cancer. I support and thank the doctors, nurses and other staff as they have struggled to keep their department out. of water and have struggled to get their own PPE in the middle of a pandemic. “
Merrifield says time is of the essence when it comes to treating cancer and resolving the crisis within the oncology department.
“What will it take for the Prime Minister to act?”