On Thursday, February 27, Parkinson Society British Columbia (PSBC) met with Brennan Day, MLA for Courtenay-Comox and Critic for Rural Health and Seniors’ Health, and Dr. Anna Kindy, MLA for North Island and Health Critic, at the BC Legislature to discuss key issues affecting the Parkinson’s community in British Columbia.
The meeting provided an opportunity to raise concerns about access to healthcare services, medication availability, and the need for timely interventions for people living with Parkinson’s disease. Discussions highlighted the unique challenges faced by individuals in rural areas and the importance of improving support for those affected by the disease.
- Access to services in rural areas – Many individuals living with Parkinson’s disease face barriers in accessing specialized care. We emphasized the importance of increasing support and expanding access to trained healthcare professionals in underserved regions.
- Medication availability – Timely and affordable access to medications is essential for managing Parkinson’s symptoms.
- Reducing wait times for Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery – While DBS can significantly improve quality of life for those with advanced Parkinson’s, long wait times in BC create unnecessary hardship. PSBC continues to advocate for increased surgical capacity and resources to ensure that individuals receive timely care.
PSBC appreciates the opportunity to engage with policymakers on these important topics and remains committed to advocating for improved healthcare access and resources for the Parkinson’s community across the province.