It’s time for council to act on its mandate to free up acute beds at the Kitimat General Hospital.

Councillor Mario Feldhoff’s July motion to work with the Northern Health Authority to free up acute beds while adding multilevel care beds to the local hospital remains an important, time-sensitive issue, he reminded municipal politicians Oct. 26.

“We need to step it up,” said Feldhoff. “This needs to be taken more seriously. Time is off the essence.”

Barbara Campbell, member of the Kitimat Health Advocacy Group, approached council for an update.

“I’m here to ask what has happened,” she told council. “I want to know where city council is on this motion.”

Mayor Joanne Monaghan responded saying council has taken it on alongside the advocacy group, most recently bringing the acute bed issue directly to the Health minister at a recent municipal convention in Vancouver.

She also said the issue will be an important one at the local NHA meeting to be held at Tamitik November 6.

Municipal manager Trafford Hall said the reason for the original motion in July was to “let people know we would work with them.”

“We are not to assume the responsibilities of the Ministry of Health,” he said, adding that regionally, both Kitamaat Village and Terrace are also working on their multi-level care units.

Feldhoff recommended that council gather on a meeting-less Monday night to discuss the issue at length and plan strategies.

“We need to be on the same page,” he said.

Councillor Gerd Gottschling agreed with Feldhoff on the importance of the issue.

“The need is great,” he said. “We need to make this a priority. We need to be proactive, not reactive.”