The paint is barely dry on Langley Memorial’s new pediatric unit, and already the Fraser Health Authority is looking at closing it along with the maternity ward. NDP health critic Adrian Dix obtained a copy of a communication strategy prepared by the FHA this month, listing the centralization of LMH’s pediatrics and maternity at Surrey Memorial Hospital. “I’m hoping the people of Langley will rise up against this because residents here were encouraged and did contribute a lot of money to the new pediatrics ward and now it’s under threat,” said Dix outside LMH on Tuesday morning. “This is a giant fraud perpetrated on the people of Langley.” The LMH auxiliary contributed $76,000 to the purchase of new equipment for the refurbished ward that opened Feb. 21. Then-Health Minister George Abbott was there to open the ward, along with Langley MLAs Mary Polak and Rich Coleman, both mayors and the FHA chair, who all toured the new surgical rooms and cut the ribbon. At the time, surgeons and nurses spoke about how much the surgical beds and special equipment is going to change children’s lives and help doctors do more. LMH Foundation, which has been an ongoing partner in this project since the planning stages, raised $100,000 towards purchasing much-needed equipment at the foundation’s annual gala. Partial proceeds from the RCMP Musical Ride, which is putting on seven shows in Langley this week, are going to the pediatrics ward. “Why gut your health care system in the fastest growing region? Langley’s hospital always seems to get the short end of the stick,” Dix said about FHA’s attempts to close the maternity clinic last year. “I’m asking the FHA to take these wards off the table right now.” Dix claims Abbott ordered the FHA to delay submitting its budget until after the election. The FHA is facing a $160 million shortfall. “Forcing the FHA to make deep cuts to prevent a deficit with eight months remaining in the fiscal year is no way to run a public health care system. It creates chaos and increased costs in the long run.” Langley’s two MLAs weren’t available for comment before press deadlines.

Let's keep comments:

• Civil
• Smart
• On-topic
• Free from profanity

All participants will register for an account. It's simple, takes seconds and will keep the comments free of trolls, cranks, and drive-by commenters.

As a community site, we ask that the community help by using the "Report" button on each comment if they feel a comment has violated these rules. You can also use the 'Like' button on each comment to voice your opinion about that particular comment.