Editor:
Once upon a time Delta Hospital had a complete 24/7 emergency room with intensive and acute care beds as well as the necessary staff and equipment to back it up.
This was all but taken away in 2002. The public revolted and the provincial government of the day was forced to allow us to keep our hospital, but never returned our 24/7 emergency surgery or intensive care unit, giving the public a false sense of security. Instead they turned our hospital into a day surgery to serve the region.
Since that time the Delta Hospital Auxiliary has continued to fund the replacement of worn out beds and monitoring equipment, while the Delta Hospital Foundation has upgraded the ER and added vital diagnostic equipment.
Despite this we still don't have emergency surgical service beyond 3 p.m. that can guarantee immediate access to life-saving health care. As Dr. Kanee once said when they built Delta Hospital in 1968, "If you don't have this service, you don't have a hospital," only a medical centre.
It would be my wish and prayer for Christmas, and a resolution for the New Year, that all our elected representatives set aside their personal and political differences and pursue the wishes of the people by returning 24/7 emergency surgical services to the hospital. Some have already made that commitment, but together it would be a greater force.
Douglas George Massey
