The provincial government has launched a new toll-free phone line to help seniors and their loved ones resolve health care-related issues.
The new Seniors’ Health Care Support Line allows seniors and their families to report concerns about their care, and have them handled in a respectful and timely fashion, according to Health Minister Michael de Jong.
“Dealing with B.C.’s intricate health-care system can be confusing,” he said at a press conference last week. “Many seniors do not possess the technical knowledge to navigate the system with computers. We are making it easier for seniors and their families to get the help they need through the Seniors Health Care Support Line.”
Seniors can also call the line if they are having difficulty accessing health-care services. The toll-free phone line is available Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. by calling 1-877-952-3181.
“We want seniors with health-care concerns to be heard so their issues can be properly addressed and resolved in a timely fashion,” said Ron Cantelon, Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors to the Minister of Health. “Through this new provincial toll-free phone line, we are giving seniors and their families direct support to resolve concerns regarding care.”
Other ways seniors can get help with resolving care concerns include speaking with their health-care provider, contacting the Patient Care Quality Offices and independent review boards, health authorities or the relevant health professional colleges, Cantelon added.