Jordan Kealy discusses “systemic” problems with healthcare in northeast B.C. 

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Area B Director Jordan Kealy has given a response to the situation of Fort St. John Hospital closures and the provincial healthcare system. 

Kealy says the current state of the healthcare system is due to a lack of strategic planning and a growing population, and the system can’t accommodate it. 

“I think right now, we are dealing with a current system that has fallen apart, and it’s been doing that for the past 20 years,” said Kealy. 

“Whether or not it’s NDP or Liberal, there’s been no strategic planning in place to accommodate the baby boomers that are flooding and needing our health care system.”  

Kealy responded to MLA Dan Davies’ letter to B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix, saying that the minister is in charge but the current situation precedes him, and the greater systemic issue needs to be addressed.

“No matter how much Dan Davies wants to criticize the system or the NDP, they were in power, and they were part of the system as well,” said Kealy.

Kealy’s proposed solutions involved attracting healthcare workers back into the system by withdrawing COVID-19 vaccine mandates and bringing in a “private model similar to Europe.”

“When you bring a private system in, and they can offer services as well, it still allows private businesses to come in and help alleviate the pressure that’s currently on our system.”

Kealy voted in favour of a Northern Health audit during the Peace River Regional District Board meeting on July 18th and said it must be done by a third party to get answers.  

“We need a non-biased set of eyes to look at the system, and tell us what’s wrong with it and give us answers because right now, the way that their health authorities are currently working, we’re not getting that,” said Kealy. 

Kealy hopes the letter will make its way to other regions that also support it and put pressure on the current government to make changes. 

During the meeting, Kealy noted that healthcare is a systemic problem, and when these closures happen, people in more isolated areas like Fort Nelson have nowhere to go.

“They make it sound like it’s just another closure, and it’s not a big deal. Well, what if you’re that person that’s actually really hurt?”

Kealy encourages residents to stay informed about hospital closures so they know which emergency room to visit in case of a medical emergency.