Editor:
A recent article announced a new hospital and cancer treatment centre in Cloverdale, a short 15-minute ride from Surrey hospital.
As a former resident and active volunteer in the Tri-Cities for over 35 years, I was astounded to read this. Although being great news for Surrey, perhaps not so much for the residents of the Tri-Cities.
Twenty years ago, I shuttled my mother from Coquitlam to Surrey for her cancer treatments. More recently, my own sister and good friend have had to make the long drive over the Port Mann and down to Surrey for chemo and radiation treatments from Port Moody and Coquitlam.
After 20 years, nothing has been built for the residents of the Tri-Cities to allow them to have cancer care in their own community.
This is adding greatly to the stress already felt by cancer patients and now is the time to appeal for better facilities in the Tri-Cities.
It's absolutely ridiculous that the MLA representatives have not lobbied for this critical care for their own constituents, as they must do because the government controls what is built and where it will be built.
And the need is great and very, very long overdue. The population has exploded in the Tri-Cities, Anmore and Belcarra. Everyone who has the unfortunate need to get cancer care has only Vancouver, Surrey and Abbotsford to give them the care they need.
Please email your local MLA today. Only they can bring the matter before parliament and the ministry of health. This is a critical need.
Pat Simpson, Surrey
