Closure of Public Health Clinics in BC will hurt poor
December 23, 2011 by Stephen
The impending closure of a few of BC’s public health clinics, namely the five clinics that test and treat STIs in Kelowna, Cranbrook, Grand Forks and Penticton will hurt many of the needy poor that require health care services, nurses in those areas say.
The BC Nurses Union strongly believes that health care cuts to these STI infection clinics is a short sighted measure with devastating repercussions, especially in the province of BC, where STIs are on the rise. Vocal through speech, the union is could soon be equally vocal through poster printings that depict the dangers of STIs and the need for health care at these clinics.
The BC Nurses Union has already released a media release about the issue. The union also plans to appeal to the various affective communities to help rally and save the services and may seek the support of local print companies in Kelowna and other affected areas to catapult the aggressive campaign.
Poorer residents without a physician turn to STI and HIV clinics as their primary healthcare service provider, and seek Pap tests and gynaecological services like pelvic exams that would otherwise be provided by a primary physician. The clinics provide these women with confidential and comprehensive health services from qualified professionals that grow to form relationships with the patients.
Supporters of the closures reiterate that STI treatments will still be available upon request through local walk in clinics and local physicians.
