Variety of Health Topics Being Discussed

Saturday, March 17, 2007 12:02 PM

Provincial Health Minister George Abbott delivers opening remarks to Prince George Conversation on Health

“Today, consider yourself the Minister of Health, you have $13.1 billion dollars worth of budget and on some days it seems like you have $13.5 billion dollars worth of challenges.” Those are the words of Provincial Health Minster George Abbott as he opened the Conversation on Health in Prince George.

Abbott says the health care budget will be stressed in the future because of increasing demands on the health care system due to chronic disease and an aging population. “British Columbians live longer than most people in the world” says Abbott. The average B.C. male can expect to live 80 years, and the average female will live to be 84.

Abbott expressed support and gave high marks to Northern Health for the work it is doing in primary care. He also had praise for researchers at UNBC who are studying cancer and diabetes. “They are showing how relatively small research groups can make a difference.”

(At right, 70 participants wait for the opening of the session.)

The day long session got underway with participants expressing what topic they wanted to see addressed.

Here are just some of the subjects being discussed today:

Coverage of medical equipment and medication
Air quality
Paying for health care
Using alternative health care as part of a treatment plan
Improving access to specialists
Concerns there have been plenty of studies ( Romanow for one) and no action , in short, “Where’s the beef”
Development of 24 hour clinics to take the strain off the emergency rooms
Making more use of the nurse practitioner
Subsidies for home care
Travel expense for rural patients
Continuity of care

The Prince George version of the Conversation on Health will wrap up at 4:00 this afternoon.

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Posted on Saturday, March 17, 2007 12:02 PM in News by 250 News

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Comments

Posted by: Gofaster on March 17 2007 4:28 PM

Maybe if they gave up the huge pay increases they have been giving themselves, and pay for their own medical plans, there might be more money for medical services....

Posted by: owl on March 17 2007 6:14 PM

I just ran that idea through Excel and find there is still a considerable shortfall.

;-)

Posted by: Harbinger on March 18 2007 1:20 AM

How about banning moms in SUVs picking up their fat kids at school, even tho they only live a few blocks away? Could be a start to a healthier life fer the kids. I won't mention that school on the top of Cowart Rd. for example.

Posted by: caranmacil on March 18 2007 11:20 AM

I think health budget shortfalls are something we all need to get used to. Every year there are more treatments (as new ones are invented) more expensive tests ( as technology provides better ones) and more obsession with living into our very old age. Oh yes, and then there's our aging population. I dont think i want to jump on the 'fat kids ' bandwagon . Not just because it sounds rather righteous and cruel but because the real problem is this: my parents only needed health care after they were 65. Their parents were already gone at that age. Modern medicine and treatment, all hugely expensive kept my father alive to the age of 80. I am hugely grateful for this, of course, and i think it is a good thing. I also know that this is the way of the future and that this is expensive. we have to keep our eye on the ball. It doesnt matter how healthy our lives are, in the end we will likely require some big cost treatments to keep us alive for those last five years.
I think being healthy in our younger years is an excellent idea. I dont think govt is able to do this for us. Nor do i think that any legislation attempting to do this is desireable. I think we have to accept (gulp) a future of health care cost driven tax increases for the forseeable future. If we can do anything to reduce the impact it is have more kids or import more young people to work hard and spread those costs out. Then in 60 years they can do the same..... Its either that or learn to accept old age and our three score and 10 more gracefuly. Pass the bacon please.

Posted by: caranmacil on March 18 2007 11:22 AM

oops! sorry i forgot my whole original point! I just wanted to say that i think it is a good isea to look at options other than just throwing more money at doctors, nurses and hospitals!