Paul Adams – BCRHN – September 5th, 2024
The BC Rural Health Network (BCRHN) is an apolitical, non-partisan, non-profit organization that works tirelessly to address healthcare challenges in rural communities. With a growing membership base of over 60 non-profit organizations, 31 municipalities, two regional districts, and numerous individuals, our mission is to improve health and wellness in rural BC. We collaborate with all levels of government and political parties, relying on community experiences and evidence-based research to create solutions.
Our work often involves raising awareness of critical healthcare issues, including rural emergency room (ER) closures. As a volunteer-driven organization with limited resources, media exposure is vital to sharing our message. However, recent media reports, including an article in the Vancouver Sun, have been misused by political entities to misrepresent our position. We stand by the Vancouver Sun’s balanced reporting and appreciate their fair coverage of our views. We did not appreciate the manipulation of their article by others.
ER closures are one of many issues we address, and it is critical that the public understands our approach. These closures have escalated in frequency, affecting numerous communities across the province. We believe this situation is a public health emergency requiring immediate action to ensure rural residents are not left without access to emergency care.
ERs in BC are strategically placed to serve their surrounding populations, and closures pose significant risks to those needing life-saving care. Over the years, the centralization of healthcare services has led to fewer rural ERs and diminished services at existing facilities. While investments in healthcare infrastructure and workforce training are welcome, these solutions do not provide immediate relief to rural communities facing ER closures today.
We commend the efforts of healthcare professionals and support ongoing investments in the sector, including new medical schools, expanded nursing programs, and increased recruitment of physicians and paramedics. However, we urge the provincial government to implement short-term measures to keep ER doors open while longer-term solutions are developed. This may require innovative approaches such as expanding the role of physician assistants, reducing barriers for internationally trained healthcare workers, deploying rapid-response units, and utilizing students in healthcare professions to support rural care.
One partial solution is the implementation of virtual ERs in every rural hospital, providing immediate access to care through telehealth and remote diagnostics. Virtual care can help ensure that patients receive timely treatment, even in situations where staff shortages make it difficult to keep the physical ER fully operational. Less medically qualified but care-oriented staff, ‘system navigators’, could be used to bolster support for patients and providing better service-oriented care.
Additionally, we must reduce the number of non-emergency cases—such as those related to mental health or primary care—that currently overload ERs. Through education, outreach, and community resources like community paramedics and mental health support services, we can redirect these cases to more appropriate settings, easing the burden on emergency departments. This approach ensures that ERs are available for true emergencies; while providing patients with the care they need in a more suitable environment.
Another issue that cannot be overlooked is the out-of-pocket costs that rural residents face when accessing care. High travel expenses and other costs often prevent people from seeking early treatment, leading to more severe, chronic conditions that ultimately increase ER visits. Addressing these barriers is crucial to reducing the revolving door of emergency care and improving health outcomes overall.
Ultimately, we must shift toward a proactive system that promotes health and wellness rather than a reactive system that simply responds to sickness and illness. Small investments in preventative care, community resources, and virtual services can lead to significant savings and better outcomes over time. The key is acting now to make strategic changes that will help rural communities immediately and for years to come.
The healthcare challenges facing rural BC are complex, but we believe a new model of care that reflects rural realities is essential. Our goal is to ensure that no community is left without access to emergency services, even if that means temporary solutions that may not meet the ideal standards of care. The priority must be keeping the doors open and saving lives. Creating healthy communities will reduce burdens and slash costs and immediate investment in that will show rapid returns on investment with dividends!
Regardless of who forms the government in BC, we strongly urge all political parties to refrain from politicizing our healthcare system or our organization. The BC Rural Health Network is committed to advocating for solutions that serve the needs of rural communities, regardless of the political landscape. Our consistent approach, rooted in the lived experiences of our members, will continue to guide our engagement with any government. We remain steadfast in our mission to improve rural healthcare and will not allow our organization or its goals to be used as a political tool during election cycles.
Recent events highlight the need for us to clarify that while we hold no political allegiance, we offer valuable insights that can help shape sound health policies across party lines. With deep connections in rural communities, we have the ability to distribute good information and resources from the grassroots level. This collaborative, community-driven approach is crucial in ensuring that rural BC receives the attention and support it desperately needs.
