Health Minister Michael de Jong issued the following statement in response to an agreement between the Vancouver Island Health Authority and local anesthesiologists for the creation of 24/7 dedicated obstetrical anesthesiology services at Victoria General Hospital:

"VIHA's announcement is a direct result of our existing agreement and ongoing negotiations with the BC Medical Association and is made possible by the recent allocation of $2.5 million in funding to create 24/7 obstetrical anesthesia services in all B.C.'s tertiary care maternity hospitals.

"This agreement is certainly a step in the right direction, and we are very pleased that VIHA and the department of anesthesiology at Victoria General Hospital were able to work co-operatively to reach an agreement to improve services for Island families.

"Ensuring the best care for B.C. families is a priority for government, and an around-the-clock dedicated obstetrical anesthesiology service at Victoria General Hospital will better support the approximately 3,000 mothers who give birth at this hospital annually.

"We worked collaboratively with the BC Medical Association to identify funding from within the existing Physician Master Agreement, to allow for this agreement between VIHA and Victoria General Hospital's department of anesthesiologists. This reflects our continued commitment to work with physicians to solve issues that affect patient care.

"The funding agreement with the BC Medical Association is also intended to support the creation of dedicated obstetrical anesthesia services at Royal Columbian and Surrey Memorial hospitals. We hope that VIHA's model will pave the way for a similar agreement at these hospitals."

Media Contact:

Ryan Jabs
Media Relations Manager
Ministry of Health
250 952-1887 (media line)