Sterling Centre will close its walk-in clinic Nov. 15. (submitted photo/Sterling Centre)

By Liam Verster

Negotiations ongoing

MLA says supports to keep last Vernon walk-in clinic open still on the table

Oct 23, 2023 | 5:00 AM

The MLA for Vernon-Monashee says the province is trying to keep Vernon’s last walk-in-clinic open.

The Sterling Centre clinic on 25th Avenue announced it would be closing its doors on November 15 due to a lack of support staff.

Speaking with Vernon Matters, MLA Harwinder Sandhu said the province is still trying to negotiate with the clinic to keep its doors open, despite it being a private practice and not operated by the provincial health authority.

“However, when we heard about challenges, we had provided twice supports to the clinic, which they appreciated, and right now we are trying to find out any other ways to support [the clinic] because we want people to get the services they need and deserve in a timely fashion,” Sandhu said.

“The offer is still on the table, it is up to the doctors from Sterling if they will take it.”

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Sandhu claimed the province gave the local walk-in-clinic two contributions of around $39,000 each in stabilization funding already in 2023, and though she could not say what was being offered this time, the MLA did say it was more than previously provided.

“The offer that is at the table is much higher, but I believe the clinic’s stance is that it’s not sufficient, and rightfully so because they know their needs,” Sandhu said

She added six other clinics in similar situations across B.C were also offered financial supports from the province to keep their doors open, which they all took and are all still operational.

Sandhu told Vernon Matters that while Interior Health and the Ministry of Health are still trying to find a solution to keep the city’s last walk-in clinic open, she has been working behind the scenes to address the issues, including having discussions with the Minister of Health and the Premier on other options in case the negotiations fail.

“We discussed that in the immediate and short term we would be expanding the capacity of the emergency primary care centre while we explore other options,” Sandhu stated.

“For me, as a local MLA, a local representative, I will be continuing to push and advocate for, whatever it may look like, to have that kind of support and system in our community.”

Sandhu added people may be upset about the possibility of losing the last walk-in-clinic, but she assured people there will still be options available if it does close.

“You have the urgent primary care centre, which we’re looking to expand so they can expand services and start taking more people in,” Sandhu told Vernon Matters.

“Meanwhile there’s [a clinic] in Lake Country and one in Kelowna where people can go as well.”

Sandhu, who worked as a nurse before entering politics, added that she is “very committed” to making sure Vernon and area residents have access to health care services, and will continue to work at the provincial level to get “prompt and urgent solutions” to resolve the situation.

“Health care is something very near and dear to me and I will not sit still until we find some concrete solutions and services because my goal is to make our community one of the best communities and well-resourced and fully supported.”

by Liam Verster

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