TUESDAY JUNE 25, 2013
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OCEANSIDE HEALTH CENTRE OPENS
Some say it’s just the start
State-of-the-art, $17M facility opened to the public on Monday JOHN HARDING editor@pqbnews.com
Tom Davies doesn’t see the grand opening of the Oceanside Health Centre as the end of a long road. The spokesman for the citizens’ group that played a big role in the push to improve health-care services in this region said he believes the OHC is just the starting point. “We all agree that five years from now we will not recognize this place,” he said. “It’s going to evolve in such a positive way. This is just the first step in a change in the way we deliver health care services. This is a new way of doing things and I think it’s going to serve as a template.” More than 200 people attended the grand opening Thursday morning of the $17 million facility in Parksville. The ribbon-cutting was led by Health Minister Terry Lake in his first official duty in his new portfolio. The facility opened to the public Monday morning and various services (like urgent care) will be phased in by September. “This facility means easier access to health services, all under one roof,” said Lake, who also said the OHC would ease the strain on emergency departments in neighbouring jurisdictions that see 8,000 visits a year from people of Parksville Qualicum Beach. “I hope we can replicate this in many communities around the province.” Lake, and everyone who spoke Thursday morning, offered thanks to former MLA Ron Cantelon for his support and determination in getting the OHC built. Like Davies, Parksville Mayor Chris Burger said he was viewing this occasion as the start of bigger things for the region. “I see it as a really important turning point,” said Parksville Mayor Chris Burger. “It marks the beginning of a shift, and recognition from the provincial government the important need for enhanced medical service for the Oceanside region.” Parksville-Qualicum MLA Michelle Stilwell did not attend the grand opening — she was competing at the Canadian Track and Field Championships in Moncton — but did supply a video message. See ALL SERVICES, page A9
JOHN HARDING PHOTO
Tom Davies, one of the key figures in the push to improve health-care service delivery in the Parksville Qualicum Beach region, was one of many to take a tour of the new Oceanside Health Centre on Thursday. The centre opened to the public Monday. See inside today’s paper — or call the OHC at 250-951-9550 — for more information about what services are available now, and which ones will be phased in by September.
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