2012 January 25 - Editorial
Last Updated on Thursday, 26 January 2012 17:26 Monday, 30 January 2012 00:00
by Lyonel Doherty
A lot of people say we need a hotel in Oliver to accommodate more visitors to the Wine Capital of Canada.
But there’s something else lacking in this community – a walk-in clinic. It’s surprising that Oliver doesn’t have one.
There are a number or residents who don’t have a family doctor, and they can’t acquire one because local physicians reportedly aren’t accepting new patients.
People who want to see a doctor for a non-emergency really shouldn’t be utilizing the emergency department at SOGH, and are not encouraged to do so. So what do they do . . . drive all the way to Penticton? Some people don’t have vehicles and can’t afford to do this.
Although we haven’t heard many people call for a walk-in clinic, we believe one would be a great asset to the community and well utilized.
The only problem is finding physicians to staff it. It’s enough of a challenge trying to staff the hospital’s emergency department, let alone a separate walk-in clinic.
Doctor Steve Evans may be right when he says there isn’t the demand for such a clinic, but it certainly would ease the problem that some people have in tracking down a doctor for non-emergencies.
Recruiting physicians to rural communities is a daunting task. Oliver has been trying to entice new doctors for a long time. But the competition is fierce, and you can only offer so much when your budget is about the same as a B-grade movie.
But a walk-in clinic would be a drawing card for new families to Oliver. The alternative, something local physicians have discussed, is securing an additional physician at SOGH to accommodate non-emergency patients. This is feasible and would go a long way in addressing the problem.
In the meantime, existing physicians are doing their best to service the community, while trying to staff the emergency department as well. Despite being overworked, they continue to make sacrifices to ensure Oliver gets the best medical care possible.
Latest News
-
Editorial - RCMP response times queried It’s very difficult in these economic times to succeed in business, especially for new entrepreneurs. And being victimized by thieves only adds to the struggle. That’s why we sympathize with business...
-
Local volunteers given royal treatment by IH Kaye Marie Yuckin (left) and Lilian Burgess dig into the food during a volunteer appreciation luncheon hosted by Interior Health at the Oliver Community Centre on April 18. Lyonel Doherty photo ...
-
SOSS rebuild to start soon with funding Students Sierra Hammond (left) and Kiera Heinrichs are happy with the new SOSS rebuild plans, which include a new 397-seat theatre to replace the old Frank Venables Auditorium. Lyonel Doherty photo...
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4