New Denver’s mayor is happy Interior Health has delayed its decision to cut ER hours at the Slocan Community Health Centre.
Ann Bunka says she expected the hours would be cut at some point but was shocked when IH had planned to reduce hours to 9:00 am – 5:00 pm weekdays starting February 1.
She says IH realized more time was needed to prepare for the changes.
Bunka says local politicians and community members made it clear to IH that they needed more time as well, which she says likely prompted the delay.
She praised the physician, Dr. Chuck Burkholder, who is working to keep 24/7 service intact at the ER.
Bunka adds one of the reasons IH agreed to keep 24 hour service for now is because a new video has been launched by they Slocan District Chamber of Commerce with a goal of recruiting more physicians to the Slocan Valley.
You can watch it here.