Urgent Action Demanded as Sunshine Coast Long-Term Care Beds Sit Empty

UPDATE: A growing petition on the Sunshine Coast is urgently calling for immediate action to address the critical shortage of long-term care beds in the region. Residents are expressing deep frustration as facilities remain empty while families wait for care options.

Local resident Sarah is among those affected, struggling to secure a long-term care bed for her mother. “It’s tough. It definitely keeps me up at night,” she told CTV News, highlighting the anxiety caused by the lack of available beds in the geographically isolated area.

In a troubling turn of events, Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) decommissioned two long-term care facilities, Shorncliffe Care Centre and Totem Lodge, in 2023, relocating residents to the Silverstone Care Facility. Nearly two years later, these facilities remain vacant, with Shorncliffe fenced off and unused.

“I find it perplexing that they’re still planning, apparently,” said John Henderson, mayor of the District of Sechelt, expressing frustration over the continued inaction.

VCH has stated that assessments are underway to evaluate the potential for reopening these facilities. A spokesperson confirmed they are working with an engineering firm to assess safety and compliance with building codes. While the assessment of Shorncliffe Care Centre is ongoing, the Totem Lodge review suggests opportunities for upgrades.

As families like Sarah’s await answers, the local community is growing more impatient. “I think the community wants answers from VCH and the Health Ministry on what the plan is for the lower Sunshine Coast,” Sarah added.

The situation is compounded by overwhelming pressure on other healthcare facilities. Silas White, mayor of Gibsons and chair of the Sunshine Coast Regional Hospital District, described the circumstances as a “mess,” noting that the shortage of long-term care beds is contributing to hospital overcrowding.

“Our hospital is overflowing right now with people waiting for long-term care, and it’s causing challenges,” White added, emphasizing the urgent need for solutions.

Despite inquiries to VCH, the health authority has not disclosed how many hospital beds are occupied by individuals waiting for long-term care placements. A spokesperson for the Health Ministry acknowledged that some patients must remain in acute care facilities when it’s unsafe for them to return home, recognizing the strain this places on hospital resources.

“Sometimes people need to wait in hospital for a long-term care bed when it’s not safe for them to return home, and we recognize this puts further pressure on hospitals,” stated the Health Ministry.

Local MLA Randene Neill has pledged to continue advocating for long-term care solutions amidst the growing crisis. For residents like Sarah, the uncertainty surrounding available care options is the most challenging aspect of the situation. “Not knowing something is probably the worst part,” she lamented.

The community is rallying behind Sarah’s petition, reflecting a collective urgency for immediate action from local health authorities. As the situation develops, residents are left grappling with the pressing need for long-term care solutions on the Sunshine Coast.

With the petition gaining momentum, the community hopes to prompt vital changes that will address the critical need for long-term care beds and alleviate the pressures on local healthcare systems.