EDITOR,

It was with great pleasure and a sense of satisfaction that I read in the press release from Vancouver Coastal Health that orthopedic services in the Sea to Sky Corridor will be expanded.

For many months following the announcement that Dr. McConkey planned to retire early this year, members of the three health care foundation boards, under the leadership of their Triboard committee, embarked on a campaign of lobbying and fundraising to do what they could to ensure much-needed orthopedic services for the corridor would not be compromised. Funds raised at the different foundation events were designated for purchasing equipment necessary to expand the orthopaedic surgical program.

Raising awareness within the corridor communities of the need for expanded services was also a goal of the Triboard. Our voices joined those of the health care professionals, politicians and other stakeholders in making our needs known to the VCH administration. It is gratifying to know our voices were heard and that positive action has followed.

Thank you to VCH for listening and finding a way to meet our requests. We look forward to “more seamless, timely and quality orthopedic care that will fit the needs of Sea to Sky residents and visitors” as promised by Wendy Hansson, Chief Operating Officer VCH-Coastal in the recent press release.

Marnie Simon

Chairperson, Sea to Sky Health Care Foundations Triboard

Pemberton