iN NUMBERS: British Columbians feeling overlooked by health care system

A point of pride for Canadians is our universal health care system, but it doesn’t seem to be working for everyone.

British Columbians report lots of positive experiences dealing with the health care system while other people end up falling through the cracks. 

Angus Reid conducted a survey and asked people in B.C. about their access to health care.

Here are the numbers:

• 42: Per cent of British Columbians said health care was one of the most important issues facing Canada. Only the cost of living was rated higher. 
• 42: Per cent of British Columbians said it was difficult to access non-emergency health care in the past six months. 
• 58: Per cent of British Columbians said it was difficult to access emergency care in the past six months. 
• 52: Per cent of British Columbians said it was easy to get a diagnostic test like an X-ray.
• 60: Per cent of British Columbians said it was difficult to get an appointment with a specialist. 
• 5: Per cent of British Columbians said it was impossible for them to get surgery. 
• 62: Per cent of British Columbians aren’t confident they could get care in a timely fashion if they needed emergency care. 
• 17: Per cent of British Columbians said they don’t have a family doctor or general practitioner. 
• 43: Per cent of British Columbians see their family doctor or general practitioner a few times a year. 
• 6: Per cent of British Columbians said they have given up on looking for a family doctor. 
• 39: Per cent of British Columbians said Canada’s health care quality is poor or very poor. 
• 22: Per cent of British Columbians said Canada’s health care quality was very good or excellent.
• 39: Per cent of British Columbians said Canada’s health care quality was fair.