Editor:
Re: “Long-term care workers anxious, frustrated as Trellis deal plays out,” Jan. 20.
The VCH employees whose work circumstances will change as the new Silverstone Care Centre comes into operation have valid concerns. However, in response to the statement in the article wondering if “the uncertainty [is worth it] for the sake of 20 extra beds,” the answer is an emphatic “yes.” The new facility will add almost 20 per cent to current capacity for long-term residential care, and labour markets must inevitably adapt as circumstances change. While the increase in capacity isn’t nearly enough, it’s a start. It’s important to remember that the purpose of the facility is to provide residential housing, not employment opportunities.
I see no problem with this facility being privately operated on a contractual basis with VCH, which has a public responsibility to provide the most cost-effective services possible. The facility is not a hospital. It’s residential housing for seniors in need of extended care – residents pay for the residential services they receive. The private sector is quite capable of providing those services – it’s the model in use for most similar facilities in B.C. and it works. This is not a threat to the public health care system – those services are paid for by VCH and delivered by a well-qualified private provider. That’s the model for providing most health care in B.C.
The terms being offered to current employees seem fair – the pay scales at the new facility are market rate and appear quite generous. The workforce will inevitably be unionized and fully protected, but no one is guaranteed a public-sector union job for life. VCH has committed to a labour adjustment plan providing employment and financial options. Health care is a rapidly growing area of employment in Canada and is very well compensated. Workers in that sector have a positive future.
Keith Maxwell, Sechelt
