Island Health’s CEO says the health authority is doing its best to connect people with doctors, reduce surgery wait times, and meet the largest demand in BC for medical scans.
That’s from Kathy MacNeil, who spoke Wednesday night at a public board forum in Victoria.
“Island Health’s leadership and board understand the pressure on primary care, the frustration of residents who can’t find a provider, and the stress of people working in this system,” she said. “We know much more work is needed to increase primary care access.”
MacNeil says demand for medical scans grows on the island by 11% each year. She says Island hospitals also struggle to meet demand for surgeries. The health authority is trying to increase same-day surgeries and reduce overnight stays.
A new surgical robot coming to Royal Jubilee next year will also help speed up surgeries and wait times, she said.
The health authority’s board of directors holds several public forums throughout the year at different Island communities. The latest was in Victoria.
