Editor, The Times:
THEN: In 1970 we did not have any doctors, clinic, or hospital in this area. Our Hospital Auxiliary started before we had a hospital but the dream was there that one day a hospital would exist in Clearwater. That dream came true and the auxiliary members have purchased many items and equipment for our great hospital.
NOW: People who visit it comment that we have the best equipped hospital they have ever seen. Congrats to the many individuals have given time, energy and effort over the years to make this happen. We can go to the clinic for medical care or, when further services are needed, go to that wonderful hospital. Our Forest View Place also allows elderly to remain in the community, a service which is so needed in Clearwater area. I feel so many take all this for granted.
We are really lucky that our doctors are willing to spend endless hours caring for the people in Clearwater and the surrounding areas, not to mention the support staff so essential in keeping the clinic and hospital functioning in our community. How could we ever do without them?
Those of us who live here have chosen the lifestyle of a rural area. Many times I had to make trips to Kamloops before these services existed. How many times have you not had to make those drives to Kamloops now that we have so much right here?
NEXT: We need better care for our elderly to stay in Clearwater and receive care when they can no longer live on their own. Seniors living at home or Evergreen Acres where do they go to live before Forest View? Our seniors have supported the area, and now is the time to dream and make another community dream come true: community housing for those seniors in need when living at home is no longer possible, an in-between place to live.
Politicians, please hear our thoughts and dreams as seniors speak up; follow through with healthy, housing facilities and options for our aging population.
Remember to say thank you to those in the community in the health service areas. When you have political chances to talk about our future needs in health care, take the time to express your thoughts.
Thank you again, medical health staff, for all your good work in this community.
Eileen Sedgwick
Clearwater, B.C.