Editor:
What’s happening to the Fraser Health care system?
I am an 87-year-old, living alone. At 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 29, I had an accident in my home. I tripped and fractured my upper left humerus – the arm bone between the elbow and shoulder.
I called a friend who took me to emergency at Peace Arch Hospital. All the while, I was in severe pain.
I was injected with a painkiller, an X-ray was taken, my arm was put in a sling over my clothes and I was sent home.
I was informed a specialist would see me on Monday morning and that I was to call his office to make an appointment.
I made the call Monday but was only able to leave a message, after which I went to see my family doctor. She was most upset home care had not been arranged.
Subsequently, the specialist’s office called to say he would see me at the hospital on the Wednesday. I met with him and he had me fitted with a hard plastic stabilizer, at a cost to me of $230, as it is not covered by Medical Services Plan for seniors.
My question is, why could this not have been done on the Saturday, and why is the stabilizer not covered?
My family doctor and my daughter worked diligently to get the help I needed. If it wasn’t for my two daughters and a close friend to help me wash and have a change of clothes, I would have had to live in the clothes I had on. Another friend provided me with meals. Before their assistance, I was afraid to remove the sling and consequently I did sleep in my clothes.
I eventually received assistance from Bayshore Home Health on Oct. 18. There was a different young lady every day, and all of them were very caring and very helpful.
Let this be a warning; don’t expect to receive necessary services on Saturday or Sunday at hospital emergencies.
P. Kroeker, Surrey
• • •
An open letter to Peace Arch Hospital staff.
I wish to make a public thank you to the most professional and thorough care I received this month week when I was rushed to Peace Arch Hospital emergency after fainting in Safeway.
The ambulance care was reassuring and fast.
We then went directly to the emergency department, where everyone was calming and competent as they admitted me to the unit and hooked me up to my monitor.
I was in emergency for two nights and then was moved upstairs to D4. The care there was superb as well.
Nurses and doctors were most professional and generous with their time and knowledge in trying to diagnose my problem.
I would like to say a big thank you to all of you for your care and support.
Glenn Smith, Surrey
