Norm Macdonald MLA                                              Columbia River – Revelstoke

MEDIA RELEASE

For immediate release

September 18, 2009

IH continues to cut medically necessary services

VICTORIA – Despite a pre-election promise not to cut health services, Health Minister Kevin Falcon has directed a 14% reduction to joint and knee replacement services in the Interior Health (IH) region, says Columbia River – Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald.

“People waiting for these procedures are now going to wait even longer,” said Macdonald.  “We all know people who are in need of joint replacements who are living with tremendous pain and any further delay is just not acceptable.”

Opposition health critic Adrian Dix has estimated that 2,500 to 5,500 fewer medically necessary surgeries will be performed overall.

“Delays in surgeries and other medical services increase patients’ risk for complications and results in further health deterioration. 

“My constituents deserve much better.  The Campbell government is again breaking its promise to provide quality health care when and where we need it. We all must speak out against the underfunding of our health care system.”

Macdonald is encouraging people to send an email to the Premier (premier@gov.bc.ca) stating their objections to the cuts to health services in our region.