Hospital expansion will be an election issue
And it came to pass in the city of intrigue and splendour, where the deer and coyotes roam free, people were enlightened to find they would continue to receive some medical treatments in the linen closets and storage cupboards at the local hospital. They would have to continue to wrestle with mops and broom handles as medical staff coped to cure their needs.
My wife and I attended the recent forum discussing the problems of Penticton Regional Hospital and were mortified at the conditions in which the hospital staff had to toil. We have both sojourned at the hospital in the last couple of years for different ailments and we are both testimony to the excellent care we received from the staff. However, when people are so dedicated at the hospital, it is unfair that they should be taken advantage of. They should at least be provided with a sporting chance to assist patients.
The rally was attended by close to 800 people and it speaks spades for the concern of the Penticton people who turned out in such numbers. The presentation by the hospital staff was made with aplomb and eloquence. They have to be commended for having the courage to express their convictions and to stand up and be counted.
Without a doubt this will become a local issue in the upcoming provincial election. Dan Ashton has more chance finding a pork chop in a synagogue than getting elected if the hospital issue is going to dangle like an albatross around his neck. However, Dick Canning the NDP candidate and bird watcher should understand he could also be hung with the same bird. He had the opportunity to speak at the rally and did not make a tweet.
The electorate has become very sophisticated in detecting obfuscation and identifying politicians who speak out of both sides of their mouths. Penticton has a high senior population who understand they need good medical facilities. Politicians should remember it is usual for seniors to turn out in droves to vote when they have an issue as personal as this.
If the provincial Liberals lose Penticton in the upcoming election they do not have to search far to know why.
Jim Calvert
Penticton
COMMENTS
Let's keep comments:
We ask that all participants own their words by logging in with their Facebook account. It's a simple process that will take seconds and helps keep our comments free of trolls, cranks, and “drive-by” commenters.
We reserve the right to remove comments from anyone using screen names, pseudonyms or false identities. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.