Review of health authority ordered after budget mismanaged 3 years in a row

VICTORIA – British Columbia’s health minister says the province’s fastest-growing health authority has failed to manage its budget three years in a row but he still commends the board for its efforts.

Terry Lake says he has ordered a comprehensive review of the Fraser Health Authority’s operations and leadership because more money will be needed to deliver services despite budget increases that have outpaced population growth.

Lake says the health authority, which serves 1.6 million people, has averaged budget hikes of six per cent over three years compared to 4.8 per cent for other health authorities.

He says savings will be found elsewhere in the Health Ministry, which has a budget of $16.4 million, although he doesn’t anticipate any service cuts elsewhere.

Lake says the Fraser Health board will submit a strategic plan by late spring 2014 and that a review is expected to be completed by the end of May.

The B.C. Nurses Union says patient care has been seriously impacted in overcrowded emergency rooms managed by the Fraser Health Authority, but Lake maintains the current review was not triggered by any specific concerns.