VICTORIA, B.C.: B.C.’s hospitals are being stretched dangerously far beyond their limits.

57 out of 80 hospitals in B.C. are running over capacity, with some running at as high as 160% capacity.

“Evidence shows that when hospitals reach 90% capacity, patient care becomes compromised, and at over 100% serious adverse events including death increase dramatically,” said Dr. Anna Kindy, Shadow Minister for Health. “Hallway medicine is not only dangerous but also demoralizing to ER doctors and that is why so many are leaving or quitting.”

B.C.’s 1.9 hospital beds per 1,000 people ranks significantly lower than the Canadian average of 2.5, which in turn is far worse than the rates for most developed countries. The average for OECD members is 4.6.

“B.C. is getting further behind in healthcare infrastructure,” said Kindy. “This government has cancelled seven badly needed long term care projects and a Burnaby Hospital expansion this year alone. As B.C.’s population continues to age, more seniors will be left languishing in hospital waiting for a LTC bed.”

“The NDP have failed to provide British Columbians with the standard of healthcare they deserve,” said Hon. Kerry-Lynne Findlay, Leader of the Conservative Party of B.C. “A Conservative government would invest in our hospitals and provide healthcare workers with the support they need.”

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Media Contact:
Erika Acuzar
Conservative.Communications@leg.bc.ca
+1 (672) 922-0948