One key issue that must be addressed is the need for equitable, province wide health care. All communities in the province of British Columbia share the need for efficient, accessible, and cost effective health care. In fact the Canada Health Act specifies five principles for health care, including accessibility and comprehensiveness. Nevertheless, provision of services in many parts of the province does not provide reasonable access. There needs to be greater recognition that non-urban areas have unique health care issues separate from those of urban centres.
Many facilities are inadequate and outdated because of limited capital dollars.
It is clear that there is significant work to be done in maximising and identifying the benefits of regionalisation. Government in reviewing the regional health plans ensure they contain strategies to advocate, and ultimately to ensure accessibility of services to all communities in British Columbia. Another key health care issue in BC today is the need for a highly qualified workforce. Instances have occurred where a shortage of skilled health workers, be they doctors, nurses, or technicians, has had a direct affect on the availability of health services. Furthermore, continuity is an important facet of health care and the significant turnover of physicians and the increasing reliance on locums seriously impairs that continuity.