I attended the public meeting organized by Member of Parliament Gord Johns on seniors’ health care in Qualicum Beach on Nov. 7 along with 240 others.
We heard presentations by physicians, nurses and family caregivers from the Canadian Medical Association and the Oceanside Health Centre. Issues discussed included support for family caregivers, the need for quality homecare and financial considerations and patient outcomes associated with different types of care.
Johns invited the audience to give their suggestions and comments and he said that community feedback will form the basis of a report to Parliament and to the Ministry of Health, in advance of the conclusion of the National Health Accord next spring, which is the blueprint for healthcare in Canada and will address issues such as increased funding to keep seniors living comfortably in their own homes. Johns asked us to write to him at gord.johns@parl.gc.ca with ideas and concerns.
Janice Leclerc
Parksville