James

Carole James will make sure local health care planning better meets the health needs of local
communities, not the political needs in Victoria.
Health authorities must be the tie between communities and Victoria – she will make sure
those communities and residents are listened to by ensuring some Board members are elected
and directly accountable to the residents they represent. New Democrats will make sure
regional health authorities make no significant service changes without first consulting and
involving local communities and residents.
Improve access to front line health care by investing in community-based
prevention and primary care – adding 12 new Family Health Care Centres
Gordon Campbell has ignored the reforms necessary to improve British Columbians’ access
to primary health care services. The federal government has provided BC with $15 million a
year since 2002 to improve the way front-line services are delivered, but they continue to
decline and wait times continue to grow.
Too many families do not have a family physician and have to rely on drop-in clinics or
emergency wards for front-line services. That’s not good health care.
We need a primary care system that focuses on health promotion, disease and injury
prevention, and management of chronic conditions. Families need access to care outside
the regular – and limited – office hours most physicians are able to offer. And we can make
sure the most appropriate care is provided by the most appropriate professional by having
interdisciplinary teams of health professionals working together.
That is Carole James’ goal. She believes in new preventative approaches that work for people
in their communities – that by giving people more choices and greater control over their
family’s health care, we will create a healthier British Columbia. And help keep people out
of hospital.
BCNDP Platform 2005 9