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Mungall calls for 24/7 ER access in Kaslo

Nelson-Creston MLA Michelle Mungall is urging the Minister of Health to work with Interior Health to retain emergency services in Kaslo.
71092westernstarKaslo
MLA Michelle Mungall is the latest voice calling for Interior Health to put the brakes on reducing emergency room hours in Kaslo.

Nelson-Creston MLA Michelle Mungall is urging the Minister of Health to work with Interior Health to retain emergency services in Kaslo.

In a news release, Mungall says she’s concerned about access to health care for residents of North Kootenay Lake due to Interior Health’s decision to limit emergency room hours at Victorian Community Health Centre to weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“The communities of North Kootenay Lake have endured a lot of hardships recently” says Mungall.  “Losing 24 hour emergency room service in Kaslo is not acceptable.”

Mungall said government has mandated that 96 per cent of British Columbians have access to emergency services within a one-hour drive around the clock. However, reducing services in Kaslo would mean communities like Meadow Creek and Johnsons Landing would not meet that standard.

“Ninety-six percent sounds like an acceptable number until you are part of the four per cent,” Mungall said. “A 24/7 emergency room in Kaslo is essential for the health of the people and communities of North Kootenay Lake.”

Mungall is asking the health minister to delay the decision to reduce services until all alternatives are reviewed.

It’s scheduled to take effect November 2.