Protests in support of the emergency department at the Nicola Valley hospital continue

MERRITT – For the third week in a row, there was another protest in support of the emergency department at the Nicola Valley Hospital in Merritt.

“We are stuck in a snowbank, our wheels are spinning, and we aren’t going anywhere,” said Mayor Mike Goetz.

Since the protests started, Goetz said there has been little to no change which is prompting him to take even further steps.

“I will be getting ahold of the federal Health Minister, I think we need to go a step above. We need to see what rules or regulations are being followed and not because I am not getting all of the answers I want and I think to go to the federal and have this looked at a little closer is my next step. Right now, I’m at a stagnant piece,  I am very happy to have the ear of Mr. Dix but the next step will be federal involvement in this situation.”

When it comes to emergency department shutdowns due to staffing shortages throughout the province, Goetz said it will only be a matter of time before it becomes too much.

“Unless you’re in Kamloops, Kelowna, Vancouver, or Victoria, you don’t have to worry about this stuff, but if you are any other city that is not a centralized hospital this is coming your way sooner or later.”

City Council has been putting in their best effort to help the situation as they made their opinions known during Southern Interior Local Government Association (SILGA), where all of the Southern Interior legislation, mayors, councillors, and governors meet to share their resolutions and discuss.

“We just came back from SILGA where we threw a resolution through, crafted by councillor [Claire] Newman, about full investigations and how to keep our hospital open,” said Goetz. “It was put out on the floor and there wasn’t a single vote against it. That tells you that every community is concerned.”

About 300 people gathered at Central Park including, Fraser-Nicola MLA Jackie Tegart, City Council, Thompson-Nicola Regional District elected officials, and residents.

“I’m glad to see the turnout and you will continue to see these as we continue to move forward.”

(Image credit: Zachary Stewart/Q101)