As an push for increased ER services in Ashcroft makes it way to authorities, community members say there are risks whenever people need to travel elsewhere for healthcare.

“We hear some stories that are pretty horrific about the end result of that. Stories about people going by ambulance there and then not having any way to get home,” said Health and Wellness Coalition Chair Sheila Corneillie.

“They are discharged from Royal Inland Hospital and they can’t stay there in the middle of the night, and an 80 some year old person trying to find a way home – lots of challenges.”

The Ashcroft ER is only open on weekends, and it has been closed six times this year due to a lack of staff, and Cornellie says people are told to go to Lillooet, Merritt or Kamloops whenever the ER is closed.

She adds ER service in Ashcroft has been declining since 2012, and community members fear a total loss of service if they don’t speak up now.