We are slowly learning the form of the new cost-saving health care that will be available to residents in our district.
A member of my extended family had spent several days in the Nanaimo hospital. On Thursday last week, a daughter-in-law and granddaughter (an off-duty operating room nurse) were visiting after lunch. When she checked the oxygen gauge she learned the bottle was empty and so was the spare bottle. For how long, she did not know. Under the new staffing, the RN must oversee seven patients, with assistance from aids.
Shortly after, the patient fell while attempting to get out of bed and broke her hip. Three hours later, the staff had not found the time or courage to call her husband. When we add in the time that the local clinic is closed and the frequent highway closures, plus the ambulance station not staffed, you can start to count the true cost of a balanced budget.
Art SkipseyQualicum Beach
