Whereas rural residents require timely access to essential healthcare services, which includes the need to increase the number of extended care units within their communities; And whereas reductions in rural medical services have resulted in patients travelling long distances for procedures such as childbirth and minor surgeries, while physician shortages and limited appointment availability increase pressure on emergency departments: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM urge the provincial government and Regional Health Authorities to restore and expand rural healthcare services, including maternity care and minor surgical procedures, implement measures to improve physician recruitment and retention and support the expansion of extended care units in rural communities.
