A NEW VISION FOR HEALTH CARE (2002 – Revised 2007)
The Chamber supports many of the recommendations and strategies outlined in the Ministry of Health Service Plan 2006.
The mandate of The Chamber is to advocate a policy framework that promotes a healthy and vibrant economy in which all British Columbians can grow and prosper. Given the importance of a viable, effective and efficient health system to the economy of the province, we take seriously our responsibility to provide reasoned and meaningful recommendations on this most important issue.
In 2002, The Chamber held a discussion forum with knowledgeable business leaders and professionals from key healthcare sectors to discuss the fiscal, human resources, legislative, political and structural challenges facing our health system.
As a result of those discussions and, in consideration of the input of our health committee and individual members, The Chamber formulated a report entitled, “A New Vision for HealthCare … The Need for Change.”
The recommendations contained in this report were presented to the then Ministers of Health and Health Planning. While some success was achieved through the implementation of our recommendations, significant and substantive issues remain to be addressed.
On January 20th, 2005, a meeting was held with a knowledgeable and diverse group of health stakeholders to discuss current health policies and what additional recommendations may be needed and appropriate. The outcomes of these discussions have resulted in a new version of The Chamber’s earlier report entitled, “A New Vision for Health Care … Striving for Excellence” and a refocusing on several key health policy issues. It is hoped that the BC Conversation on Health will provide additional recommendations for improved access and utilization of appropriate innovations and healthcare services.
BC currently expends approximately 43% ($11.75 billion) of the provincial budget on health. The rate of growth in health expenditures cannot be sustained. A different approach must be identified to enhance the likelihood that our health system not only survives – but also thrives. Quite simply, the current model will not survive the changing demographics of our population, the explosion of technology, public expectations and current economic realities.
The Chamber’s key messages in the report can be summarized as follows:
• Prioritize health services based on a patient/resident/client basis – treat the patient, not the disease. In short, patients first – provide the right treatment to the right patient and at the right time;
• The importance of business in promoting healthy workplaces and preventative healthcare;
• Identify mechanisms to increase revenues from external sources; and
• Develop a strategic human resources plan that addresses the geographic diversity of BC and allows foreign-trained health professionals to play a role in BC commensurate with their skills.
The report details 20 specific recommendations in support of these messages which related to fiscal, human resource, legislative, political and structural issues.
THE CHAMBER RECOMMENDS
That the provincial government endorse and act upon the recommendations of The Chamber’s 2005 report “A New Vision for Health Care – Striving for Excellence”.
