On April 11, 2024, Christina Derksen Unrau, Jaqueline Podewils (BC Lung Transplant Housing) and Paul Adams (BC Rural Health Network) meet with Premier David Eby in Victoria
Christina Derksen-Unrau Visits Victoria and Meets the Premier
VICTORIA, BC – Recent developments in British Columbia signal a pivotal shift towards equitable healthcare, particularly for those requiring organ transplants. Premier David Eby and various government officials engaged in intensive discussions this past week, addressing critical challenges faced by rural residents in need of life-saving transplants.
Christina Derksen-Unrau, a rural patient who had to withdraw herself from the transplant list due to prohibitive costs, catalyzed these conversations. Her ordeal illuminated the severe financial strains and logistical hurdles that many outside Greater Vancouver endure. In response to her situation, BC leaders, including Premier Eby, have vowed to reevaluate and enhance healthcare policies to ensure equitable access for all, as mandated by the Canada Health Act.
Over two days of dialogues in Victoria, Christina and her husband Arlen advocated alongside Paul Adams, Executive Director of the BC Rural Health Network, and Jacqueline Podewils, Co-Chair Lung Transplant Housing Support, emphasized the necessity of systemic reforms. Among the proposed changes are increased funding for high-acuity patient travel and accommodation. This initiative aims to reduce the massive costs that patients like Derksen-Unrau are forced to undertake, which not only incur significant personal expenses but also reflect inefficiencies in the healthcare system.
Moreover, the concept of ‘patient navigators’ was introduced to help guide individuals through their medical journeys, ensuring that no one is left to navigate the complex system alone. Discussions also touched on replacing temporary lodging solutions with permanent medical housing to provide safer, more cost-effective options for patients.
Highlighting the broad-based support for these initiatives, officials from various political spectrums acknowledged the need for action. “The acknowledgment from all parties during our discussions has been reassuring,” stated Adams. “It’s clear there’s a unified commitment to address these disparities and support our rural communities effectively.”
The provincial government’s commitment extends beyond immediate financial aid, with suggestions to lobby for federal support and ensure sustainable funding models. The involvement of organizations like Hope Air and the potential for philanthropic contributions to support infrastructural developments were also discussed.
As BC strives to reform its healthcare landscape, the emphasis remains on practical, compassionate solutions that respect both the economic and personal dignity of every resident. “Change is inevitable, and with the concerted efforts of all stakeholders, we’re poised to make a significant impact,” Adams concluded, optimistic about the future of healthcare in British Columbia.
Special thanks to Harbour Air for donating the flights to Victoria.
Chris and Arlen heading to Victoria on a float plane to see the Premier
