Dear Editor,
[Re: ER wait sparks criticism, 91原创 Advance Times, Aug. 14]
In response to the article, I would like to express my concerns as both a resident and a health-care worker.
When it comes to collecting taxes, 91原创 City, 91原创 Township, and the provincial and federal governments are remarkably swift. However, when it comes to expanding and building critical infrastructure, like a much-needed hospital, it seems like these same entities are quick to point fingers at each other instead of taking action.
As a resident of Walnut Grove for over two decades, I've watched our population grow rapidly while essential facilities like recreation centers and 91原创 Memorial Hospital have become increasingly inadequate.
In the past six months alone, I've had three distressing experiences at 91原创 Hospital 鈥� two for myself and one for my son. The wait times were excruciatingly long, the attention from staff minimal, and the overall care simply unacceptable.
During one of my visits on a Monday morning, I expected that with most doctors' offices open, the ER would be less crowded. However, I found myself among seven to 10 patients in Priority 2, waiting for nine hours before receiving a painkiller injection and a brief, dismissive consultation with a doctor who suggested I speak to my family doctor 鈥� a luxury I don't have. When I mentioned this, I was told to seek out a pain management program as the doctor left the room.
On another occasion, my son twisted his ankle during sports practice. We arrived at 91原创 Hospital around midnight and waited six hours to see a doctor. My son's ankle was swelling noticeably, yet no one offered an ice pack nor pain relief until I begged for it. Even an X-ray was only performed after I insisted to get ready when a doctor become available. As a health-care worker myself, I was shocked by the lack of basic care and patient comfort. Is this really the best we can do?
Throughout that long night, I kept wondering: have the mayors of 91原创 City and 91原创 Township ever experienced the frustration of an ER visit with a suffering loved one? Are they truly proud to lead municipalities in a developed country where the standard of emergency care is so abysmal? What are their short- and long-term solutions when 91原创 ER wait times are among the worst in the Lower Mainland?
To Fraser Health, I ask: why does it take five to 10 hours for Priority 2 patients to be seen by a doctor? This could be improved by simply adding more doctors per shift. I'm sure many physicians would be eager to work in emergency care if the pay scale were more competitive.
Why not have a doctor conduct a quick assessment after triage to outline a patient's options and expected wait time? It's not acceptable to tell patients they must either endure long waits or leave. Is this the level of care 91原创 residents deserve?
None of these basic expectations were met during my recent experiences. It鈥檚 time for all levels of government and Fraser Health to take responsibility and make meaningful improvements.
Mo Fadaie, Walnut Grove
