Prince George, BC – Back in July of 2011, the Provinced announced up to $10-million dollars in funding aimed at improving access to emergency health services in rural communities.

Under the program, a total of 52 communities were eligible to receive financial assistance of up to $200-thousand dollars a year for rural fee-for-service physicians who commit to ensuring emergency services are maintained at their hospital.

The applications were reviewed by a joint Ministry of Health and BC Medical Association Committee and the money is now being distributed to to 36 rural communities.

Speaking on behalf of the Health Minister, Minister of Children and Family Development, Mary McNeil, says, "I know there has been some difficulty in recruiting and retaining physicians in rural areas, and the extra financial assistance provided by the province will ease some of those concerns by helping doctors fully cover their local hospital."

"Families in Williams Lake and 100 Mile House will benefit by having more reliable access to emergency services," says Cariboo-Chilcotin Liberal MLA, Donna Barnett.  "Cariboo Memorial Hospital & Health Centre and 100 Mile House District General Hospital will also be able to provide even better care and enhanced patient safety thanks to the funding being provided by the province."