Editor:
As a new senior, I find myself musing with some trepidation about what my decline to the finish line might look like. The apparent unfolding direction of Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) is not reassuring. My fundamental question is – will VCH place all long-term care, for elderly and others, in the hands of the private sector? If so, this strikes me as a radical shift in the public health care policy in this country. Other questions:
If VCH is moving long-term care to the private sector, why would they not engage public discussion on this fundamental shift in public policy?
Has the VCH/province done a credible, long-term cost-benefit analysis – with respect to the province and the consumer/taxpayer – to support such a shift? If so, would they please make this information public?
Can the VCH/province provide assurance that current standards of patient care and workers conditions and benefits can be upheld in the long term when contracted to the private sector?
Are health care workers under a gag order from the VCH and not permitted to provide information based on their personal experiences and expertise? If so, what on earth is VCH attempting to hide?
It seems the provincial government and its agencies are loathe to make the tough decisions required to provide sound infrastructure – physical and social – to its citizens, and to set appropriate budgets and taxation. Avoiding public discussion on potentially sweeping policy changes in health care suggests a further flight from accountability.
VCH, please reassure us that you and your provincial masters have the maturity and capacity to meet the considerable responsibilities that have been placed in your hands. Tell us clearly what you are planning for long-term care and precisely what benefits you anticipate in service and cost.
Liz Neil, Gibsons
