Community Clinics Concerned About Planned Sole-Sourcing of Government Funded Service

Island Health Planning to Sole-Source Cataract Services to Calgary Based Organization

VICTORIA, Nov. 24, 2015 /CNW/ - A community based eye care clinic, VICTORIA EYE, in Victoria is concerned about the possible plan to sole-source government funded cataract services to a Calgary based organization. Internal sources at Island Health have communicated the proposed plan to move forward on a contract with Surgical Centres Inc. without undertaking a broader procurement process that would allow local clinics to bid for these services.

Doctors Dam and Behn have been providing treatment for cataracts in Victoria for over a decade. "We have a great relationship with our patients and would like to be able to continue caring for this community which we are a part of."

Island Health is responsible for awarding and managing contracts with health service providers on behalf of the Government of British Columbia.  VICTORIA EYE is seeking a fair a transparent procurement process for cataract services that gives all the regional players a chance to bid for this contract. Not only is it the equitable way to conduct business, fair competition also results in the best value for tax dollars and the highest possible quality of care.

"We have reached out to Island Health's leadership team as well as to the Minister of Health," Dr. Behn said. "Despite our concerns, the government and the Island Health seem willing to break their own procurement rules. We are very concerned that the best interests of Vancouver Island residents are not being taken into account. We call upon the Minister of Health to halt the unfair outsourcing of cataract services and to commit to an open and transparent process that truly reflects the needs of patients in British Columbia."

About VICTORIA EYE

VICTORIA EYE is an eye care clinic in Victoria offering the full complement of Ophthalmological care including premium cataract surgery services. VICTORIA EYE's five ophthalmologists boast a combined 50+ years of experience serving the Victoria community. In 2015 they were awarded the Ageless Living Award recognizing them as the best health and wellness centre in the Victoria area. VICTORIA EYE performs over 1000 cataract surgeries annually and is the first and only facility in Victoria to offer laser cataract surgery.

SOURCE VICTORIA EYE

For further information: Media Contact: Dr. Olivia Dam, Medical Director VICTORIA EYE, cell: 250-896-3937, [email protected]