Hi All;

In order to track down a rumour that B.C. Ambulance service in Bowser would be going down to an 8 to 4 service from the current 24 hour service, I contacted our local MLA expressing serious concern.  This is a contracted response, covering the salient points, to my question:

I want to start by assuring you that while there are staffing changes taking place, there are no service reductions planned for the community of Bowser. 

To provide you with a better idea of how these changes will impact Bowser specifically here is a breakdown of changes that will be happening:

•            Bowser’s current staffing model includes one full time unit chief with a small pool of on-call staff.

•            Bowser’s new staffing model will consist of four regular part-time SOC positions at .75 full time equivalent (one will be unit chief).

These new positions will be three days x 24 hour shifts on, followed by three days x 24 hours off. Each 24 hour shift will consist of two hours on call at home or in their community, eight hours full pay on shift at the station, 14 hours on call at home or in their community. There will also still be opportunities for additional staff to pick up on-call shifts to fill leaves and/or sick time.

Sincerely,

Andrea McDonald | Constituency Assistant

office of Josie Osborne, MLA

Mid Island-Pacific Rim

If you want a copy of the full response, please send me an e-mail requesting same.

Larry Highcock, Chair