Friends of Delta Hospital are holding another town hall meeting this Saturday to update residents on efforts improve the hospital's surgical program.
The meeting will take place at the South Delta Recreation Centre at 2 p.m.
Gathering a petition that already has more than 8,000 signatures, the group says, "Delta is not getting its fair share and as a result our hospital is in crisis. To make matters worse, our regional health authority is threatening further funding cuts in the future. We believe once the public and elected representatives are aware of these facts that the issues can be resolved in a way that is fair to residents of Delta and the rest B.C. We do not expect special treatment, only our fair share."
Hundreds showed up at the group's first town hall forum in mid-February in Ladner to hear from doctors at the hospital, who initially made their concerns public last fall.
The Delta Hospital Medical Staff Association raised concerns about the surgical program, which they complained does not operate at the same level as hospitals in similar-sized communities.
In Delta, operating rooms close at 3 p.m., which means those requiring urgent procedures after hours or close to closing time have to be transferred to another hospital.
According to Fraser Health, the hospital currently has 58 "acute care beds in medicine." However, doctors argue those beds can't be considered acute, but more like respite beds for day surgery procedures.
Mayor Lois Jackson and TFN Chief Bryce Williams recently signed a joint letter of support for Delta Hospital. The letter addressed to Health Minister Terry Lake urges the province "to take immediate steps to address service level shortfalls at Delta Hospital."
For more information about Friends of Delta Hospital, check friendsofdeltahospital.weebly.com.
