Stone, Dix spar over dim future for Kamloops obstetrical clinic

VICTORIA — The future of the Thompson Region Family Obstetrics clinic was raised in the B.C. Legislature Wednesday (Feb. 22).

The clinic — which offers care to about 60 per cent of expectant families in Kamloops — is no longer accepting anyone with a due date after July 31.

In announcing the decision last week, clinic leaders cited a lack of doctors available to cover on-call shifts.

During question period Wednesday, Kamloops-South Thompson MLA Todd Stone pressed the government on the clinic, saying it has known about the issue for nearly a year. In doing so, he referred to the example of a young expectant mother in a desperate situation.

“The clinic is closing, leaving her without any options for prenatal care — and I would point out that she’s one of the 45,000 residents of Kamloops who does not have a family doctor,” said Stone. “She says, ‘I have been told I can attend our local, overcrowded emergency department if I need care.’”

Health Minister Adrian Dix responded that the alternative payment model for physicians introduced by the government last year will help address the problem.

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