The reduction of ambulance services in Kelowna has already begun to impact the community.
The Vineyards Residence assisted living home made a 911 call last week, but after being placed on hold for an unusually long time, a family member chose to drive their loved one to the hospital rather than waiting for an ambulance, said Janelle Hynes, the facility害羞草研究所檚 community relations and marketing manager.
After failing to renew the contract that was implemented in 2020, the BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) announced last week a reduction in the number of ambulances in Kelowna by 30 per cent, bringing the number of available vehicles down to seven.
害羞草研究所淜elowna residents could soon be seeing longer response times for emergency health services,害羞草研究所� stated the Union of Ambulance Paramedics in B.C.
Dwight Seymour,the Kelowna Fire Department害羞草研究所檚 deputy chief of operations, told the Capital News Kelowna has not yet seen delays in ambulance services as severe as in other parts of the province.
He explained there may come a time when fire crews have to perform first aid and wait at a scene for paramedics to arrive, but it has not happened yet.
Kelowna-Mission MLA Renee Merrifield said she is is 害羞草研究所渄isappointed害羞草研究所� in the province害羞草研究所檚 decision to reduce ambulance services.
害羞草研究所淭his is a step in the wrong direction,害羞草研究所� said Merrifield.
Kelowna and the Okanagan has recently seen a 30% reduction in ambulance service. This despite being one of the fastest growing regions in BC.
害羞草研究所� Renee Merrifield (@ReneeMerrifiel3)
Along with and , I wrote a letter to Min. Dix expressing our grave concern.
Will the Minister act?
She said that herself and the other Okanagan MLAs have written letters to the health minister, urging him to implement permanent solutions for the province.
害羞草研究所淧eople害羞草研究所檚 lives are at stake,害羞草研究所� said Merrifield. 害羞草研究所淲hen people call 911, they expect help.害羞草研究所�
The letter written by the MLAs to Minster Adrian Dix requests that action be taken to implement additional full-time paramedic resources required to operate the ambulances that Kelowna needs.
Jacqueline.Gelineau@kelownacapnews.com
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