HOW TO ROCK THE ROCK TAKE A PLUNGE WITH ZIP-LINE RIDE {page 17}
BUSTED AGUILERA NABBED FOR INTOXICATION
{page 16}
VANCOUVER Wednesday, March 2, 2011 www.metronews.ca
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Patients rrrrrolled into Tims Doctors forced to treat patients in coffee shop after Royal Columbian ER overwhelmed NDP accuses government of glazing over health-care system Patients hoping for an emergency bed at Royal Columbian hospital suffered a much cruller fate Monday evening. Due to an unusual spike in emergency room activity, Fraser Health Authority spokesperson David Plug says four patients had to be treated inside the New Westminster hospital’s Tim Hortons coffee shop for about an hour and a half. “It was one of the busiest periods we’ve had,” Plug said. “It was not an ideal situation.” The health authority says other areas of the hospital were available, but the coffee shop was closed down, sanitized and turned into a temporary patient-treatment centre because of its proximity to the emergency room.
Derek Dorsett of the Columbus Blue Jackets runs into Vancouver goalie Roberto Luongo after getting stopped on a partial breakaway during last night’s game at Rogers Arena. The Canucks won 2-1 in a shootout. Story, page 22. RICH LAM/GETTY IMAGES
Canucks go the distance for win
Plug insists patient care wasn’t compromised, but admits demand has far outgrown the hospital’s emergency room. “Royal Columbian is one of the busiest hospitals in the province. We’re working on the systematic issues, we do need more beds,” he said. Fraser Health is in early discussions with the Ministry of Health regarding redevelopment of Royal Columbian. NDP interim leader Dawn Black says the unusual situation is indicative of the health-care system as a whole. “(It) shows the degree to which our health care has declined under 10 years of B.C. Liberals,” Black said, challenging premier-designate Christy Clark to take action. MATT KIELTYKA
Witnesses urged to come forward
Interest rate held at 1%
February hit-and-run killed two women {page 3}
Central bank stands pat despite expanding economy {page 9}
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