LETTER: It’s challenging for Surrey residents to get health care
Published 8:00 am Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Editor,
As a resident of Surrey and a student at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, I am concerned about the growing issue of health-care wait times in our community.
Through research and a community advocacy project, I learned that long wait times affect much more than convenience. Delayed access to health care can increase stress, worsen health conditions, and place additional pressure on patients, families, and health-care professionals.
Surrey is one of the fastest-growing cities in British Columbia, yet many residents continue to face challenges accessing family doctors, specialists, and timely emergency care.
Our health-care workers continue to provide excellent care under difficult circumstances, but they cannot solve this issue alone. Continued investment in health-care services, increased staffing, and expanded access to primary and urgent care are essential if we want to improve health-care access for Surrey residents.
I also believe that greater public awareness can make a difference. Many people are unaware that services such as Urgent and Primary Care Centres, walk-in clinics, and HealthLink BC (8-1-1) are available for non-life-threatening medical concerns. Helping residents understand when and where to seek care can reduce unnecessary pressure on emergency departments while ensuring patients receive the care they need. Healthcare is something that affects every member of our community.
By supporting health-care professionals, investing in health-care resources, and educating the public about available services, we can work toward a stronger and more accessible health-care system for everyone in Surrey.
Simranjot Kaur, Surrey