16 patients stuck with "hallway" care, while health minister celebrates opening of new hospital tower in Surrey

June 18, 2014

While health officials were proudly opening the new critical care tower at Surrey Memorial Hospital, the emergency room was in chaos.

BCNU President Debra McPherson says Surrey ER in crisis daily

On Monday afternoon, 16 patients were on stretchers in the back hall of the new emergency room. The ER was overflowing with 70 admitted patients waiting for beds in wards. At the same time, health minister Terry Lake was telling dignitaries the new facility would provide the best possible care for patients and their families.

BC Nurses' Union President Debra McPherson said "Fraser Health has repeatedly stated the new tower and additional beds will alleviate overcrowding. But patients are still not getting safe care. In fact, patients have almost died on a number of occasions, while waiting to see a doctor or be admitted."

For example, yesterday:

A man forced to sit in the waiting room for three hours had a seizure and stopped breathing, resulting in a code blue.
A patient with a life threatening brain bleed was given a "hold" bed for stable patients only, with limited nursing care and no monitor, because there was no trauma bed available.

"For the minister to celebrate the new hospital opening, while a full blown crisis with critically ill patients not getting safe care was happening, indicates he is either grossly uninformed or in total denial of the seriousness of the situation," said McPherson.

Last fall, the health minister promised a review of Fraser Health, after nurses sounded the alarm about overcrowding problems in many of the region's ERs.

"We are still awaiting the review, which was recently delayed again. How many more patients have to suffer?" asked McPherson. "Patients need to know action is being taken - now!"