Ashcroft Mayor Jack Jeyes was pleased to announce to Council that Interior Health had agreed to fund the community bus for a one a week trip to Lillooet so that local patients without a doctor could see one.
“The beauty of this,” he said, “is that patients will be seeing one of two doctors who will presumably be coming here in February, so they will be establishing a relationship with their new doctor.”
He said he also liked the fact that it was putting their community bus to good use.
The bus only operates three days weekly, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Trips to Lillooet are scheduled every Thursday from now until Jan. 21, except for Dec. 24 and 31.
“It’s a partial solution,” said Coun. Barbara Roden. “It’s not perfect, but it’s a step in the right direction.”
She said their quick meeting with Ministry of Health officials at the Union of BC Municipalities convention turned out beneficial, and having MLA Jackie Tegart there with them was very helpful.
Cache Creek Council agreed to set up a bus stop of sorts for Cache Creek and area residents to catch the bus at the Community Hall before it heads to Ashcroft.
“There may be a need at some point in the future for a room to be open in the hall for people who are waiting,” said Mayor John Ranta.
See "Lillooet and bus provide doctor care" for more information about appointments.