Editor:
I read in Coast Reporter that the Sechelt hospital’s waiting, registration and streaming areas are being renovated “to provide a more efficient and functional space for patients and clinicians.” Great! Will this reduce wait times? I have visited the emergency department over the years with family members and once for myself, and the big issue I have is the wait times.
I loathe going there. With half of the visits, I seriously debated whether to go or not because I knew I’d have to wait several hours. I have been there with my elderly mother waiting for five hours while she was in pain with a post operative concern but got fed up and went to family doctor the next day instead. Some visits were a “no choice/no option” scenario. How much money will be spent on these renos, and could that be better spent on more ER staff to improve wait times? I’d personally prefer a spartan facility with quick turnaround times rather than a waiting room worthy of architectural awards. Is there room for improvement in terms of functionality and efficiency? Possibly, but seeing that this new wing of the hospital is only 10 years old, I question the architect and or planner who came up with the current design. Have things changed so much in the past 10 years?
Why did they not plan ahead for growth? There is not enough parking. The original/designated waiting area is basically only for six people or so.
So, I ask VCH...will these efficiencies improve wait times?
Brian Klassen, Halfmoon Bay
