Conservatives say they'll commit $3 million to Summerland primary health care centre

The Conservative Party of BC leader and Penticton-Summerland candidate have said they will commit millions in funding to support the construction of a primary health care centre in Summerland.

John Rustd and Amelia Boultbee made the announcement on Wednesday.

The duo said if they are elected in the provincial election next month they will commit $3 million in funding the primary care centre.

“Thanks to David Eby and the radical NDP, our healthcare system is in crisis,” said Rustad in a news release.

“Projects like this centre in Summerland will bring healthcare providers back to our communities that need them most.”

A news release from the BC Conservative Party claimed it is expected that there will be about 4,000 patients without a doctor in Summerland.

The centre, which was proposed by the District of Summerland, will respond to the need for increased primary care services, attract new providers to the community, address the shortage of primary care providers and improve access to care, the Conservatives said in the release.

The currently envisioned 10,000 square foot centre will provide care for all Summerland residents with sixteen family physicians or nurse practitioners providing team-based care, the release added.

The District directed staff to conduct a feasibility study on the primary health care centre in February 2021.

That study narrowed down possible locations to 13609 Dickinson Avenue, which municipal staff have said it's the preferred location as it “satisfies the functional program, is located downtown, the site is available for redevelopment and it is the most affordable option.”

“BC’s current healthcare system is failing British Columbians and failing the people of Penticton Summerland,” said Boutlbee.

“I am proud to say that a BC Conservative government will deliver meaningful healthcare reform to get the people access to the care they need.”

Boutlbee is a one-term city councillor, having been elected in 2022, and was nominated as a candidate in May.

She took her leave of absence from city council duties on Sept. 11.