Surrey steps into the health-care arena with a plan for two clinics. Will it work for its 'underserved' residents?

When Delta’s emergency room closed Saturday night due to a doctor shortage, the impact rippled through neighbouring Surrey, said Mayor Brenda Locke.

Patients and ambulances were diverted to Surrey Memorial Hospital, which already has the busiest ER in Canada.

“Surrey became virtually closed as well, just for the fact that we cannot cope with that kind of pressure,” said the mayor.

Faced with a health-care crisis, Surrey has decided to take matters into its own hands with a plan to hire a health care administrator and open new medical clinics in city-owned buildings. Earlier this week, the city issued a request for proposals for a proponent to open and operate a network of community-based medical clinics. The city will pay administration costs, while doctors will continue to be paid