Norm Macdonald MLA Columbia River – Revelstoke
MEDIA RELEASE
For immediate release
January 23rd, 2009
Revelstoke seniors still feel abandoned by Campbell Liberals
Despite recent Liberal claims to the contrary, Revelstoke seniors are still feeling the negative repercussions of the Campbell Liberals’ mismanagement of Revelstoke’s healthcare system. Since 2001, cuts to senior care services have left too many Revelstoke residents feeling abandoned.
“I am still hearing serious concerns from seniors about the lack of adequate home care, the lack of staff in extended care facilities, and the need for an increase in the number of beds for seniors in need of residential care,” declared Norm Macdonald, MLA for Columbia River – Revelstoke.
Macdonald assisted seniors in sharing their stories with BC Ombudsman Kim Carter for her investigation into the state of seniors care in British Columbia.
Over the last 8 years, decisions have been made by the BC Liberals concerning Revelstoke’s seniors’ facilities with little regard to the effects that these decisions had on people’s lives.
“After the 2001 election, the BC Liberal government announced the closure of Moberly Manor, leaving residents with nowhere to go,” continued Macdonald. “It was only because of a massive public outcry that the Liberals partially backed down on that original decision.
“BC Liberal healthcare policy continues to leave seniors vulnerable. For instance, seniors who want to stay in their own homes are not getting the home care they need, further damaging their health, or requiring premature moves into extended care facilities.
“Fundamentally, if we can not provide quality care for our seniors, then our government has failed. That failure has been felt by far too many seniors in Revelstoke.”
Ombudsman Kim Carter has reported that her office has been overwhelmed by the number of people who have contacted her since she launched this investigation. Her official report on the state of seniors care in British Columbia will be released in the spring.