Dear Editor:
Media stories over the past week about people waiting too long for hip replacement surgeries remind us that we need to shorten wait times for some procedures. The good news is, we know how. Across B.C, and Canada, dozens of innovative projects have resulted in dramatic improvements to wait times.
B.C. needs to act on innovations proven to reduce wait times and improve health outcomes, and apply their successes and efficiencies across the health care system. The result will ensure everyone can get timely, quality care when they need it.
The same can’t be said about one B.C. for-profit clinic owner’s plan to make it possible for doctors to charge patients whatever they want for necessary care and refuse patients who can’t afford to pay.
Innovation in the public system will improve timely care for Canadians.
Rick Turner
BC Health Coalition co-chair
