DRAFT POSITION PAPER HEALTH ISSUES
Introduction and Position:
Our members, with other seniors living in BC, are concerned with the level
of service available to them under the current health system in the
Province. Their concerns range from a diminution in the availability of
services, long and growing waiting lists for service, and the increased
costs of medical insurance through MSP, Pharmacare, and Extended Health
plans.
The mandate of BCRTA is to maintain and improve the standard of life of our
members, and of all seniors living in BC. We believe that the issues listed
above indicate that our quality of life is diminishing, due to the actions
of the various levels of government. Our position is that these changes in
the health care system need to be reviewed and amended.
Issues :
The following are just some of the issues currently affecting retired
teachers and seniors:
Reduction of hospital beds, particularly in rural areas.
Reductions in number of intermediate and extended care beds across the
province.
Reductions in home care and home support services
Increased travel time to hospital services, particularly serious in the
winter in the North and the Interior of the province
Increased MSP premiums
Greatly increased Pharmacare deductible levels
Increased Extended Health premiums and reduced levels of reimbursement
Long waiting lists for elective surgery, and for some non-elective surgery
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NOTE: at the October meeting it was agreed that we would develop a paper
on
health issues with suggestions for advocacy on behalf of retired teachers
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The position paper will focus on the impact on the health of retired
teachers and seniors in an ageing population, based on existing research
about health and related support services. Advocacy in this context
is
seen as part of a continuum whereby retired teachers and seniors participate
in public policy development in order to effect positive change in their
lives. This paper, as in all information the committee collects, must be
accurate and sources clearly identified. This will ensure the credibility
of our efforts.
The position paper will have a two-pronged approach. In the short-term,
advocacy is appropriate as part of the provincial election campaign,
scheduled for May 2005.
The second part of this paperšs strategy is to develop information and
policy on health needs for retired teachers and seniors
Goal Statement:
To influence public policy, which directly affects the health of retired
teachers and seniors to the extent that we become full participants in
public policy development, and influence the political will to implement
this policy through legislation and its implementation.
Objectives:
The objectives of this paper and the work of the Advocacy committee will be
directed toward:
1. Assessing the current status of
health resources for retired
teachers and seniors and their ability advocate for and influence public
policy.
2. Identify and build networks and
linkages to strengthen the
capacity of retired teachers and seniors across the province to influence
key public policies in the health areas affecting them.
3. Build an advocacy network
with our local chapters as the vehicle
for advocacy in their communities while maintaining the provincial committee
to identify resources, co-ordinate with the local chapters and speak on
provincial issues.
4. To make political parties aware of
our position, seeking their
support for our health position paper.
5. To ensure that retired teachers and
seniors vote in the next
election.
6. To maintain the on-going currency
of our health policy paper,
based on the most current research information available.
7. To keep our members informed and
current about health policy
issues affecting them.