Chilliwack detox shut down by FHA
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Updated: November 05, 2009 2:04 PM
The detox unit is being shut down at Chilliwack General Hospital as the Fraser Health Authority cuts services to make up a $160-million budget shortfall.
FHA officials were not immediately available for comment Thursday, but Chilliwack City Councillor Diane Janzen confirmed the detox closure following a meeting with hospital staff earlier in the morning.
Janzen, who sits on the mayor's health advisory committee, said the closure of the 10-bed detox that opened just four years ago is expected to take place "fairly quickly."
It's not known whether further cuts will be made in Chilliwack and elsewhere in the health region by the FHA board, which met Thursday afternoon to discuss budget issues.
"It's very clear Fraser Health has to cut or somehow come up with $160 million," Janzen said.
In August, the FHA announced it would cut thousands of elective surgeries and cancel several medical programs to avoid a $160-million deficit.
Janzen said the mayor's committee will meet next week to discuss what action city council should take in light of the closure of the detox. A medical detox in Chilliwack was a priority goal identified by a social issues study conducted by the city.
The FHA announced operating funds of $1.2 million for the Chilliwack detox before its opening in 2005.
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