Wednesday. February 25, 1998 — North Shore News — 5 a iberal says region. | Health plan bungled, L lan Noble : . an . idents what makes the North will inttude ali News Reporter ta n@nsnews.com AS the provincial Liberals’ deputy critic for health and chair- man of the caucus health committee, North Vancouver- Lonsdale MLA Katherine Whittred has been a keen observer of the dispute plaguing the North Shore Health Region. She has now added her voice to that of North Shore doctors and Lions | Gate Hospita! union workers cali- ing for the firing of health region CEO Inge Schamborzki. Whittred said a report by crisis to crisis in the past nwo years, She pointed to the ker- fulfle over the hiring of Inge Schamborzki, constant. reor- ganization and the dismissal of top executives at the hospi- tal since the NDP announced its regionalization initiative in 1993. But Whittred says she and her party de not quarrel with regionalization, the govern- ment's attempt to give people more sav in their health care by appointing focal boards and letting them run the health show in regions throughout B.C. Most stakeholders support the initiative; it) gives them more say in health care, said Whittred. Burt she said the govern- ment bungled the job by not getting the trust of al! stake- holders — specifically the doc- began. “TP haven’t talked to) any doctors who are opposed to the idea of regionalization.” said Whittred. “They were lett out at the beginning. The antagonism and mistrust have simply showballed. “When vou alienate a key group of people vou cin almost predict vour reform is not going to work,” she added. Whittred hay not only been critical of government, she also points the finger at the former regional board, which was fired last month by then- Health Minister Joy MacPhail. Whittred criticized the board for seemingiy being more concerned about things “that, perhaps, were nor that important.” For an example, Whittred Shore healthy. For that survey, the health board questioned — people about fasues such as: green space. Transportation and ittordabie housing. However, said Whitired, if someone = does not have ittordable housing, he or she does not go te the health board for help. “ies one thing to talk about how important gicen space is, but it’s quite another thing when peuple are con- cerned about five or six months’ wait for... routine surgery.” : But) Whittred ¢ said the regionalization process cannet start over under Kelsey. The tormer board made progress i integrating services under the North Shore Health Region banner, said Whittred. the region the News Ministry of Health-tunded health services on the North Shore, including Lions Gate Hospital. In all, the board will be responsible tor $160 > mil- hon in services. Kelsey has said he will try to bring all the stakeholders in the region together and wants anew, but initially smaller board to plan and govern the FACTORY FUTON Entrance in fear lane Fon.- Sat. 1i-Gpm Sunday 12-5 pm He told last week thar the directions the former board had in place “are fundamentally in keeping with what has ro be done.” Whittred said she’s not sure how much Schamborzki would get in severance if she’s fired, but Whittred added thar it would be a signiticant sum, UTON eee 025 g 7 COMPARE saa Oe Sab pace safa bed frame Iripte eam cate fatea, scotch-qardes fatae cover. pelias aad pidew cavers. Kade qugatiies last 267 €. Ist, Aan 4 304-456 cat Sasa: MIRAPIDLUBE =: DRIVE-THRU Olt. CHANGE PROFESSIONALS No appointment necessary consultants appointed by the tors — before the process — referred to a survey asking res) When the process is complete, Health Ministry was critical of Schamborzki’s leadership, the man i region’s doctors and the region’s board, which as been fired and replaced by public administrator Len Kelsey. “T think the new board or the new administrator has to follow through on the consul- | Most cars & pick ups, plos taxes & envira levy includes 21 point salety inspection Save $8 on radiator flush & 4 8: ‘00am 6: s00pm tants” report and the consul- a . ; > rey . x