Okanagan MLA says cancer patients waiting too long for care

An Okanagan Liberal MLA is pressing the NDP government to immediately fix what she called the “unacceptably long and sometimes tragic wait times” that cancer patients in British Columbia face.

In the Legislature, Kelowna-Mission MLA Renee Merrifield spoke about how only one in five B.C. cancer patients received their first consultation within the recommended two weeks, according to a report in the Globe and Mail.

“Cancer patients often find themselves on waitlists for months, resulting in significant psychological suffering, increased cost of care, and a lowered chance of survival,” Merrifield said.

The MLA said some patients are having to wait up to three months for treatment by a specialist.

Merrifield also called for increased support for oncologists, who she said are forced to leave the province due to a lack of resources as they deal with burnout.

“British Columbians deserve the best cancer care possible, but the government’s lack of action to address extensive wait times is costing lives,” Merrifield remarked.

WATCH: MLA Merrifield demands better cancer care for British Columbians.