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The Similkameen
Volume 65 Issue 47
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
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Group writes prescription for better Princeton health care Andrea DeMeer Spotlight Staff
The men and women working to improve health care in Princeton have a busy year planned – one that could possibly see benefits for other small BC communities struggling with similar issues. Support Our Health Care (SOHC) recently held its annual general meeting, electing a new executive, reviewing a year’s worth of accomplishments and setting goals for 20142105. Networking with health care groups in other communities is central to SOHC’s plans, said Ed Staples, president. “What we would like to see is a rural based coalition that is all working towards common goals,” said Staples. “In my opinion this is the most important issue that faces every rural community.” SOHC has already formed a partnership with Ashcroft health care advocates, and hopes to grow support in other communities like Lillooet and Clearwater. According to Staples Princeton has developed several initiatives that could be beneficial in other areas, including the Princeton Health Care Steering Committee which works closely with SOHC. “The Princeton Health Care Steering Committee is probably the most important group of people who are working to improve the health care model in the community,” said Staples. “It’s unique in the province as far as I know.” Next month SOHC will make a presentation to BC’s Select Standing Committee on Health. A major focus of that paper will be the stressing the importance of developing “respectful, collaborative relations with Interior Health.” SOHC began two-and-a-half years ago
as a group formed to protest the closure of Princeton Hospital’s emergency room. Initially the committee – then called Save Our Hospital – held demonstrations but did not make much headway. “In the end we finally realized that we got their attention but it wasn’t really being effective.” In addition to continuing to work with the local steering committee, SOHC will establish a music therapy program in the coming year in cooperation with Ridgewood Lodge to help people suffering with dementia. SOHC is also working with universities, colleges and the Princeton Secondary School to encourage Princeton and area students to consider careers in health care. According to Staples research suggests that students who complete programs in health care are most likely to return to their roots. Noting that doctor shortages are common to every rural community Staples said Princeton currently has two openings for full time physicians and there are 9 support staff jobs open at the Princeton General Hospital. This week the hospital filled the position of fulltime permanent lab technician. “It’s a very positive development in our community, very encouraging.” The committee has also set the increased used of social media as a goal for the coming year. It is working with the United Way to establish a Better at Home program in town and will continue its Love a Locum program as needed. “I don’t think there is ever going to come a time or place in a small community where we are able to say ‘Yay we’ve done it, we have a health care model that is the envy of every one in the world, ’” said Staples. However he added that improved health care translates not just to better quality of life for Princeton residents, it is also a means to
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According to SOHC, improving the many facets of Princeton’s health care model will help the community grow
grow the community through business and industry. The new SOHC executive consists of Staples, vice president Ole Juul, secretary
Nienke Klaver, treasurer June Hope and directors Spencer Coyne William Day, Judy Short, Lynn Wells
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