Mr. Speaker, I have grave concerns about the future of the Saanich Peninsula Hospital in my riding.
Once again we are facing further decreases in services provided in our local hospitals because of continuing funding cuts to health care by the government.
Last month I spoke in the House about the planned closure of the level two intensive care unit for children in Victoria, one of only two facilities in British Columbia.
Now we learn there are proposals to close acute care beds at the Saanich Peninsula Hospital. Why? Because of funding cuts.
A letter I received stated:
As physicians at the Saanich Peninsula Hospital and members of the peninsula medical society we have concerns that the proposed changes will seriously affect the ability of the hospital to provide adequate acute care services to the community and in particular surgical services.
We are shutting down services for our children and, once again, for our seniors. The government continues to erode the health care system in the country. This is not acceptable.