Promises - Pending, Initiated & Completed
If you would like to provide an update to any information list please send us an email with details. BCHealthCareMatters@gmail.com
The Provincial Government has made several promises to reform BC's healthcare system, increase service access, and make new investments. Sometimes, these promises turn into progress and are completed. However, many remain unrealized. It's often challenging for the public to know which promises have been fulfilled and which have not. We hope this resource will help keep everyone informed.
Physician Assistants in ERs
PENDING
In September 2023, we were told that PAs might soon be able to work in ERs in BC. In May 2024, we learned that one PA has been hired at Saanich Peninsula Hospital as part of a pilot project. However, as of June 2024, there has been no province-wide implementation.
Increase primary care access in communities
INITIATED
Govt objective - Urgent Primary Care Centres (UPCC) “…a new focus on team-based care that will see government fund and recruit more doctors, nurse practitioners and other health professionals, to put patients back at the centre of health-care delivery.”
Reality - Most require you to call or stand in line first thing in the morning to get a spot, and space is limited per day. Several UPCCs are not fully staffed. Some are not staffed with any Family Physician or NP.
Nurse to Patient Ratio
PENDING
“The provincial government has implemented nurse-to-patient ratios for six health-care settings in acute care facilities in B.C.”
The system does not have enough nurses to implement this policy so for now it’s just a promise.
Alternative Compensation model for Family Physicians
INITIATED
New Payment Model to compensation Family Physicians more appropriately for their time and skill set, implement for some.
Expand Pharmacists scope
COMPLETED
"Expanded scope of practice for pharmacists to prescribe for 21 minor ailments". However, it's worth noting that it is still a choice for pharmacist, not all pharmacists have chosen to take on this extra prescribing role.
MORE TO COME
What other promises have you heard about?
What stage are they at?
Send us details, with source links and we’ll add them to the page.
