On Wednesday, January 24, 2018, we had the honour of hosting Hon. Adrian Dix (Minister of Health) to a Town Hall in Sidney. Health and wellbeing is a priority topic in Saanich North and the Islands and across British Columbia.
In January, our community outreach program called The Public Circle, hosted two meetings with health professionals and service providers that I reported on here. That work was followed by a Community Dialogue to hear from the public. In addition, I had this opinion editorial published in the Peninsula News Review highlighting some of the feedback we heard.
We capped the months work by inviting Minister Dix to the riding. He and I wanted to hear directly from our constituents and answer questions about the health system.
Complex and substantial challenge…
To be sure, our health and wellbeing is the most personal and emotional subject we can tackle. The topics we covered in the Town Hall were no exception. From the incredibly difficult subject of pharmaceutical therapies, to treatment for cancer and Lyme’s disease, how health professionals are remunerated and developing multi-disciplinary community centres of care, Minister Dix has a complex and substantial challenge ahead.
I am honoured that he took the time to visit our riding and was so open to meeting these challenges head on in a public forum. It was far more than complaints, we heard many excellent ideas on how to improve the system. As we have learned throughout January, people need to be more included in their healthcare decisions.
No question, people face legitimate difficulties accessing the system. There are many heartbreaking and frustrating stories! I must acknowledge that the system does many things well, and that we are all working to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and quality of care.
Thank you!
I appreciate everyone who took the time to attend our events and share their experiences. Our work is by no means complete, it is ongoing! The Public Circle will move on to discuss other high priority topics in future months. Regardless, I will continue to learn about our health system and we will work closely with Minister Dix and the Health Ministry to increase the quality of service in our riding.
Below is a summary report of our consultations so far. If you would like to share your story or ideas please do not hesitate to contact my office or leave a comment below.
[pdf-embedder url=”http://adamolsen.bcgreencaucus.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/02/Healthcare-Report-January-2018.pdf” title=”Healthcare Report January 2018″]
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