Dear editor,
I read with interest the March 7 letter from a group of Comox Valley doctors (Doctors respond in defence of hospital care) reminding us to appreciate the care offered by the staff of St. Joseph’s Hospital. Of course, they are right on this point.
However, their letter only adds to the lack of clarity over the issue at hand – whether Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) will be offered in the Comox Valley. To quote the doctors’ letter, “Many of these same doctors, nurses and support staff hope to soon provide an equally high level of care at the new Island Health Hospital, a hospital where MAiD is expected to be provided on site.”
Well, if this were true, there would be no issue to discuss, would there? But I believe there is. My understanding is there will be one (not two) hospitals; and there will be one (not two) hospices (the latter refusing to offer MAiD).
The doctors’ letter despairs about the heated rhetoric and the community being split as battle lines are drawn. May I remind the doctors that de- bate is the root of our society. We must discuss issues open- ly in order to understand them better. This is the essence of our government, our courts and our country. So, good doctors, not to despair. We must have our discussion. But, rest assured, it won’t split the community and the heat won’t last forever.
The letter loses some of its appeal when the writers suggest we should respect “St. Joseph’s exemption due to long held values” only to later point out the real determinant may not be values at all, but rather “budget restrictions.” So which is it going to be, values or money?
Ah, no need to respond, the question is rhetorical, of course, as life is full of contradictions. However, the two points presented back- to-back do little to convince readers.
On the issue at hand, I place my vote (if anyone is counting) in favour of MAiD being available. This, for my family and myself when our time comes.
I wish to say to the doctors, nurses, administrators, et al, their amazing skills and commitment are deeply appreciated by residents of Comox Valley. We look to these professionals for guidance and comfort in our most important moments – birth, life and death.
Neil Garvie
Comox
