Dear reader,

Speaking with Doctors of B.C. and the Consultant Specialists of B.C., I learned that a new survey due this spring is expected to show that wait lists to see a specialist in B.C. are growing. 

Their last survey showed that an estimated 1.2 million British Columbians are waiting to see a specialist. The longer a patient waits, the more their health declines physically and mentally. 

I knew that we are only getting part of the picture from the government, which points to surgical wait times decreasing but fails to include waiting times for a consultation or to see a specialist, or wait times to get an MRI. 

I wanted to know just how much this was affecting people. So, I put out a call on social media to find people who wanted to share their story. I heard from B.C. residents who have waited more than a year to see a specialist, while others felt like the system failed to help them get properly diagnosed. 

Delayed treatment can cause depression, pain and frustration, and even in some cases a terminal diagnosis. The health care system is cracking as these specialists also face burnout.

Do you have a story about long wait times you'd like to share with The Vancouver Sun? Please email ticrawford@postmedia.com.

Thank you,

Tiffany Crawford

Reporter
Vancouver Sun | The Province

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