A small British Columbia town whose hospital was closed by the provincial government has transformed itself into a health care landlord by purchasing the facility and turning it into a marketplace for public and private services.
The hospital in Kimberly, which has 7000 residents, closed last spring. Following its rebirth, it will offer primary and emergency care, laboratory and x-ray facilities, and private surgical offices. Health professionals such as physiotherapists and private nurses will also be allowed to rent space in the 25-bed facility, which cost the town $140 000.
Jim Ogilvie, who was mayor when the purchase decision was made, said the town's large senior population was affected most by the closure. “Our number one goal is to re-establish primary health care. One of the main reasons we decided to buy the hospital was that they left us with nothing — not even a first-aid post.”
The hospital was closed because of plans to convert the Cranbrook Hospital, a 30-minute drive in summer, into a regional centre, but Ogilvie says that hasn't happened.
Primary care will be provided by 6 family physicians, who will move into the hospital from their current group practice and pay rent to the municipality.
The Interior Health Authority may become a tenant by relocating its home care and alcohol and drug counselling services. In addition, an emergency walk-in clinic will be created. Physiotherapists and a private nursing service are also expected to become tenants.
Not only will FPs perform some minor surgery, but a private surgical company is finalizing plans to begin offering services — primarily to Workers' Compensation Board clients, RCMP personnel and patients sent by insurance companies. — Heather Kent, Vancouver