The Editor,

We all rely on our local emergency department in an emergency - and its staff are there for us and our loved ones when we need it most.

During the past two weeks, we have seen what happens to the emergency department during an emergency. The flood at Surrey Memorial Hospital on Nov. 19 set in motion a cascade of activity at that site, as well as hospitals throughout our region.

On behalf of our Foundation, and as a member of this community, I would like to thank the medical professionals and health care team at Peace Arch Hospital's emergency department. They have done a superb job to ensure that patients continued to receive quality care, close to home during the past two weeks.

Peace Arch Hospital's ER was built in the 1980s to facilitate 60 patients a day. Today our ER sees an average of 120 patients a day. During the past two weeks, there was an influx of patients, peaking at 194 patients a day.

We are fortunate to have such talented staff keeping all the systems running smoothly.

Commendations to Fraser Health for executing their disaster plans with total professionalism and efficiency. Thank you to all involved in managing through this emergency as Surrey Memorial worked to re-open its regular ER again this morning. We are very fortunate to live in a community with such talent and commitment to health care.

Graham Cameron Board Chair Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation