Nanaimo Regional General Hospital

It is important to recognize that our Nanaimo hospital serves not only our city residents, but also those of the regional district and elsewhere. We are the main hospital north of the Malahat, and compared to south of the Malahat (which has a smaller population) we are woefully lacking in facilities. Hospital funding lies with the regional district, which City of Nanaimo contributes to. I currently serve as Chair of the Nanaimo Regional Hospital District Board, and the Board has committed to pushing the province for upgrades to the hospital: a new patient tower, cancer center, cardiac catherization lab, and high acuity unit. We must convince the government of the need for upgrades. Then we must be prepared to pay 40% of the project costs, which of course will be considerable. The hospital tax levy was increased this past year, which showed on people's tax assessments. It is an increase I feel was necessary, as we must start to put aside money if we wish to be able to fund an updated hospital - which will not only better serve the needs of our population, but also help to attract doctors to our area to work in a new facility.