West Kelowna

Joanne Konnert has long since been a proponent of a health care facility in West Kelowna.

Photo: Wayne Moore - Castanet File Photo

Joanne Konnert

Dating back to 2007, Konnert, then Chief Operating Officer with Interior Health supported the concept of an urgent care facility on the westside of Okanagan Lake.

It was while Konnert was with IH that the health authority purchased lands at Butt and Elliott roads for that express purpose.

Now, Konnert will use that experience while working with the municipality to try and move the stalled process forward.

The District of West Kelowna has contracted Konnert to investigate options open to the municipality in its ongoing efforts to establish a business case to secure a primary health care facility.

"Council is extremely pleased to have Ms. Konnert's assistance in gaining a good understanding of what options are available to us as we explore our health care needs and service delivery models on the westside," says West Kelowna Mayor, Doug Findlater.

"Council has not veered from our goal of seeing a westside health facility built and, with Ms. Konnert's expertise, will move one step closer to our vision."

This past April, both the municipality and Interior Health agreed considerable background work still needed to be done before any move can be made. Both sides will continue to work together to investigate available options.

The municipality has already had discussions with third parties and will continue to take the lead in exploring options for third party partnerships, including identifying community stakeholders that may be interested in potential opportunities.

"We know there is still a long way to go," added Findlater.

"But, this is an important step in the right direction towards the establishment of a business case to build a primary care centre in West Kelowna."

Konnert will begin working with the municipality in September.