Janice Perrino: A Lady with a Mission.
“We want to diagnose, treat people, and get them home!” These were the words of our dynamic April speaker Janice Perrino, CEO of Nanaimo Hospital Foundation but, in order make it happen, we as individuals need to shoulder some of the cost for state-of-the-art hospital equipment needed to fulfill this mission.
Janice spoke with passion about her wish to obtain the best diagnostic equipment for Central Vancouver Island. She told us that “because of what government does” the money simply isn’t there to supply funding for the best diagnostic equipment needed for first-rate health care. “Advancements in medical treatments and technologies, growing demand for services – government healthcare funding simply cannot cover it all. The Foundation raises much-needed dollars for state-of-the-art medical equipment, new facilities and renovations, and continuing education for our healthcare professionals. The Foundation also provides a means through which conscientious corporations and individuals can say “thank you” by making a contribution to healthcare delivery in our Central Vancouver Island communities.” (from the NHF web site)
Mrs.Perrino gave us a synopsis of the history of Medicare in Canada, introduced by Tommy Douglas in 1961: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tommy_Douglas which started with an annual budget of $2.2 million/year. Since that time health care costs have ballooned to $2.2 billion annually: That’s $5.4 million a day.
The advent and rise of the Baby Boomer generation (born 1947 to 1966 )is the major reason for this phenomenal increase. As this generation ages so do health care costs soar. As an example, look at the number of drugs Medicare now pays for: In 1968 700 drugs were being funded annually; today it is over 25,000!
As we know, Vancouver Island is becoming more and more popular as a place to live. It has been estimated that between 2014 and 2024 our population is expected to grow by a whopping 39% and with it will come accompanying health costs. And yet NRGH is an aging facility with (according to Mrs.Perrino) the worst ICU in British Columbia. In fairness though, she did state that their Emergency Department is the best.
Janice’s mission is to create positive changes but her cause needs our assistance. There are three ways in which you can help:
– Donate to the Nanaimo Hospital Foundation.
– Leave a legacy in your will to the Foundation.
– Write to your MLA (http://michellestilwellmla.ca/contact/ asking her to solicit more Federal Government help for our local health care needs. According to Janice, you should be direct: “You want my vote? Well, here’s what I want…”
For more information on the Nanaimo Hospital Foundation: http://www.nanaimohospitalfoundation.com/ct-scanner.html
