Fraser Health has one of the lowest hospital bed ratios in British Columbia only 0.58 beds per 1,000 people, far below what a growing population needs.
On December 28, 2024, I had a fever of 39°C and a racing heart pounding out of my chest. Something was clearly very wrong, so I drove myself to Burnaby Hospital’s emergency room at midnight. After a long wait, healthcare staff took blood tests and told me my white blood cell count was extremely high, and I was placed in the isolation room immediately. They initially gave me IV fluid to cool me down. But when the sunrise, I was shocked. I thought someone would take my condition seriously, that I would be examined by a specialist, properly diagnosed, and treated. But they sent me home alone, still sick, still scared, and still without answers.
That night, my fever came back, and my heart rate climbed to 140. I could barely think clearly, but I had no choice. I live alone. There was no one to assist me. So I got in my car and drove myself back to the emergency room, hoping this time they would understand how serious it was. But again, it was the same blood tests, isolation room, IV fluids, and then sent home. No specialist. No diagnosis. No admission.
By the third day, my condition became critical. I was so weak I could barely walk and struggled to breathe. I was terrified and called an ambulance, but it was a busy night. The firefighters who arrived were incredibly kind and stayed with me, taking care of me as I waited for over an hour. But I could feel my heart pounding faster and faster. I truly thought I was going to faint or collapse at any moment. I told them I couldn’t wait any longer, that I needed to get to the emergency room immediately. So despite everything, with tears in my eyes, I got into my car and carefully drove myself once again to Burnaby Hospital. I hope this time would be different. But once again, I received the same blood tests, isolation room, and IV fluids and was sent home.
Three nights in a row.
Three times asking for help.
Three times turned away.
By the fourth day, I knew I couldn’t keep going like this. I could feel my body was in huge stress. So, I made the decision to drive slowly to Vancouver General Hospital. On the way there, I accidentally ran a red light, just two seconds late, not because I was careless, but because I was trying to stay alive, trying to get somewhere that might save me. When I arrived at VGH ER, everything changed. Health care staff saw me immediately due to the severity. That same night, I was admitted to the oncology ward. They acted without delay, and they told me they suspected leukemia.
I kept thinking about the importance of Burnaby Hospital Phase 2 infrastructure. Because the truth is, no one should have to go through this. No one should be sent home repeatedly while seriously ill. No one should have to wait for help that doesn’t come in time. No one should have to drive themselves to the hospital in that condition. Burnaby is growing, but our healthcare system is not keeping up.
What happened to me is not just my story. It is an important warning. Because next time, someone else might not survive. That is why I am asking you to sign this petition. Because no citizen in Burnaby should have to suffer like this, and no one should have to risk their life just to receive proper care.
We call on the Government of British Columbia and Fraser Health to Immediately resume Burnaby Hospital Phase 2 construction:
• Expanded medical imaging
• Intensive Care Unit
• Mammography services
• Increased inpatient capacity
• The BC cancer Center
• Modernized Acute care infrastructure
Burnaby residents deserve timely, accessible, and reliable healthcare.
Sign this petition to demand action now.
Every signature sends a message: Burnaby cannot wait!
Dr. Allen Chen, MD