It looks like Greater Trail residents may get a chance to express their concerns over the impending closure of the Trail Health Centre Laboratory in a meeting with the City of Trail and Interior Health next week.
According to Trail Mayor Colleen Jones, she has been told that there will be a public meeting the week of July 14.
On July 6, Jones announced via a City of Trail Facebook post that she has not heard from the Premier's office, Ministry of Health, or Interior Health after sending a letter expressing multiple concerns over the downtown lab closure.
However, she received word of a meeting.
"This issue is very complex and I’ve been focused on navigating the many conversations and supporting our community," said Jones. "However, I understand Interior Health is expected to participate in a meeting later this week."
Jones said she has had discussions with LifeLabs and with Kootenay-Monashee MLA, Steve Morissette.
The Beaver Valley Clinic in Fruitvale ceased its lab services on Feb. 28 after over 40 years in operation, citing regulatory changes introduced by the Diagnostic Accreditation Program as unsustainable for a rural practice.
The Trail lab announcement was also unexpected and abrupt without consultation or consideration for the community, with IH citing "staffing deficits" and the best use of staff resources is at Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital.
"We’ve talked about the community’s concerns around access, transportation, and the importance of maintaining publicly funded health services that meet local needs," said Jones.
MLA Morissette responded to a Times query about the lab closure, and the problems rural communities face.
"Rural health faces unique issues when services are consolidated, and it often results in travel challenges for the most vulnerable people among us," he said.
Morissette pointed to the Castlegar Community Services and their West Kootenay Volunteer Driver program which transports residents to their appointments so they can avoid use of transit or personal vehicles, including to LifeLabs in Trail.
"I have connected with the Ministry of Health on this issue," said Morissette. "I am working together with the City of Trail on potential solutions for these challenges, and will continue to do so."
The Trail lab is scheduled to close on July 28.
Jones said she was hoping for something more positive, but is working toward holding a public meeting the week of July 14.
"I’ll confirm the date and time as soon as I can," added Jones. "Thanks for your understanding as we work through all of this."
Patients transitioning to the private U.S. owned company, LifeLabs, will need to register for MyCareCompass and schedule an appointment.
The Times sent queries to the Minister of Health, Josie Osbourne, two weeks ago, asking about the lab closure, health care privatization, and why there has been no community consultation.
A ministry spokesperson replied by email, saying it is preparing a response.
