Healthcare Access and Patient Choice

“Continuing the Fight for Sensible, Local Healthcare Solutions”

Tom knows firsthand that healthcare in British Columbia is past the breaking point, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the southeast corner of the province. For years, Tom has fought against policies that force residents to drive over 8 hours, cross multiple mountain passes, and endure thousands of kilometers of travel just to access basic healthcare. These unreasonable treatment options leave families in our region with a sense of hopelessness, burdening them with both emotional and financial strain.

Bringing Vital Treatment Services to Kootenay-Rockies

As an independent, Tom is now even more vocal about the need for better local healthcare options. He is committed to bringing crucial treatment services like oncology, renal care, and radiation treatment to Kootenay-Rockies. A master plan is in development at East Kootenay Regional Hospital, and Tom is determined to ensure that these vital services are included—if we don’t secure them now, many in our region may never see them in their lifetime.

Addressing the Crisis in Elective Surgeries and Cancer Diagnoses

Tom is also focused on addressing the crisis in elective surgeries, such as hip and knee replacements. Delays in these “minor” surgeries often lead to life-altering complications, reducing quality of life and increasing long-term costs for taxpayers. Similarly, the backlog in cancer diagnoses is a ticking time bomb for our healthcare system:

• Long wait times mean that early-stage cancers go untreated, resulting in personal tragedies.
• Delays lead to skyrocketing healthcare costs as untreated diseases worsen over time.

Supporting Healthcare Professionals in Kootenay-Rockies

Tom is a strong advocate for healthcare professionals, fighting to bring the Provincial Rural Retention Initiative (PRRI) to East Kootenay Regional Hospital. This initiative would ensure that doctors and nurses receive enhanced financial compensation, helping to retain them in rural areas like Kootenay-Rockies. Tom knows that keeping skilled healthcare workers in the region is critical to addressing the broken healthcare system, and he continues to push for this initiative in the legislature.

The Lack of a Travel Assistance Program

Another major issue in Kootenay-Rockies is the lack of a travel assistance program. There are no subsidies, no transit systems, and no viable options for those who cannot arrange transport to distant healthcare facilities. This exacerbates the healthcare crisis, and Tom is fighting to bring real travel assistance options to the region.

Focusing on Youth and Senior Health

Tom is also focused on youth and senior health, working with healthcare groups to develop a provincial dementia strategy that will benefit the aging population in our region. He knows that healthcare solutions must be comprehensive and accessible for everyone, from the youngest to the oldest members of our community.