Photo: Castanet / file
Kelowna-Mission MLA Renee Maryfield
UPDATE at 6 p.m.
The crisis with the staff in Kelowna’s oncology department is similar to what health care providers are experiencing across Canada, says BC Cancer.
In a statement to Castanet, the agency that manages cancer treatment in British Columbia, said discussions on how to adapt to staff shortages “are taking place at all levels.”
They said the note leaked to Castanet, which paints a horrific picture of the situation at BC’s Kelowna Cancer Center, is part of “ongoing and active talks” the agency is having with partners on short-term and long-term mitigation solutions. on patient care. “
“New oncology positions are currently being recruited, funded by the Department of Health, and the province has continued to invest in cancer care in British Columbia,” the statement continued.
“This investment is helping to strengthen our BC cancer treatment team in Kelowna and across the province, adding the necessary capacity now and preparing for the future. Recruitment is currently underway for all roles in a challenging recruitment environment. ”
Ensuring the best possible patient care is a top priority for BC Cancer, the agency added.
ORIGINAL 16:40
BC Cancer remains remarkably quiet, despite numerous requests for comment on the critical shortage of staff at the agency’s regional cancer treatment center in Kelowna.
A leaked note received by Castanet earlier this week said the oncology department at Kelowna General Hospital was working with 55 percent of the staff.
In addition, it is stated that the situation is not expected to improve at least until the autumn, which leads to “record” waiting times for patients.
While BC Cancer remained silent, Kelowna-Mission MLA Renee Maryfield did not.
The former health critic from BC Liberal called the situation in the oncology ward difficult and suggested that it was time for the government to pay attention and act.
Maryfield says the NDP government is delaying funding for a nationwide cancer plan.
“This 10-year plan has been running for five years … despite repeated requests to see this plan from me and my colleagues, the health minister says he is still working on it,” Maryfield said in a statement.
“Now, here we are learning the truth about how difficult things have become in Kelowna for BC Cancer. I am very supportive and appreciative of the doctors, nurses and other staff, as they struggled to keep their ward above water and struggled to get their own PPE in the midst of a pandemic. “
Maryfield says time is of the essence when it comes to treating cancer and resolving the oncology crisis.
“What will it take to get the prime minister to act?”
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