Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke recently announced a five-pillar plan to fix the healthcare crisis in her municipality. We are hiring a full-time healthcare administrator. As a result of that funding, we will open two new medical clinics in city-owned buildings. Locke made her announcement in the face of rising pressure on Surrey Memorial Hospital. Touring the warehouse, she used the term “busting at the seams” to describe the facility. The city’s initiatives are an example of how cities across the country can invest in equitable health service improvements for their most disadvantaged residents.
The Surrey City Council approved the creation of the healthcare administrator position in May, with an annual budget of approximately $250,000. By the end of this year we hope to choose a capable person or firm. In doing so, they will assume responsibility for the effective operation of each of these clinics. The first clinic isn’t expected to open until mid-2026. That will go a long way towards improving healthcare access for everyone in the region.
New Clinics to Serve Community Needs
Family physicians will be manning the clinics, guaranteeing a standard patient mix. This collaborative approach ensures local residents have continuity of care in their own community. At present, Surrey averages only 59 family doctors per 100,000 residents—well below Vancouver’s ratio of 136 per 100,000. This disparity signals an acute need for better medical care, particularly in the preventative realm.
To help make opening these clinics possible, Surrey has put out a request for proposals (RFP) from possible operators. For instance, the RFP explicitly asks for proponents with a minimum of five years’ experience running clinics in British Columbia. On top of that, candidates have to oversee at least ten active clinics operating in the province. Many other potential applicants that meet the qualifications have already indicated interest, though the application window is open until October 29.
Locke spoke to the significance of this movement for the community. She added, “I don’t need to make a big political statement. I just want to do what’s best for my residents right now, and the numbers are really clear.” The relocation would send patients to the less-busy hospital, better meeting a vital need for available medical treatment.
Challenges Ahead for Healthcare Provision
While we’re encouraged by the steps forward, we do remain concerned that the clinics will be self-sustaining and that the funding structure will work. Dr. Charlene Lui, president of Doctors of B.C., noted that the physicians recruited to work in the clinics will have an extra overhead cost. How much it’ll actually cough up is still a mystery. Still, she felt optimistic about Surrey’s model and its chance to succeed. If successful, the plan could set an example for other regions to pursue with the same strategies.
“I suspect, especially if Surrey is successful, more will look at this type of model.” – Dr. Charlene Lui
Critics further express concern about the provincial government’s lack of commitment to address Surrey’s growing healthcare needs. City Councilor Annis highlighted a broader issue, asserting that it is “irresponsible to let the provincial government off the hook when it comes to supplying Surrey with properly funded health care.” He cautioned that taxpayers will be left holding the bag even more as a consequence.
Locke certainly recognized the uphill climb ahead, she is undeterred in her pledge to continue fighting for better healthcare access. She emphasized that “diverting patients away from our hospital is really critical for us,” underscoring the necessity of reliable family doctors for overall health improvement.
The Path Forward
As Surrey embarks on this ambitious healthcare initiative, its leaders aim to collaborate closely with experienced operators to ensure successful implementation. The city is looking for advocates who can help identify the best clinic sites and offer planning assistance and design support to flesh out initial concepts. This multi-faceted approach increases patients’ access to care. Secondly, it limits competition with existing clinics in the same region.
Locke’s administration is focused on delivering high-quality care, stating, “We’re busting at the seams when it comes to our hospital and to general health care in our community… We have no choice. We have to do this.” Her commitment speaks to her willingness to overcome incredible odds to ensure that Surrey’s residents receive the medical attention they desperately need.
