Is the Niagara Health System embroiled in issues that have been making the day-to-day operations less than ideal? If so, these entanglements appear to be complex in nature and difficult to resolve. Those who depend on the services of the system live in the hope that many of these issues may get resolved and as soon as possible.
Ordinarily I do not discuss personal issues in this column unless these might contribute to resolving some issue of import. About one year ago I was among the legions of men diagnosed with prostate cancer. After following the treatment regimes proscribe by a team of excellent medical experts I am among the fortunate and currently diagnosed as in remission. I have nothing but high praise for the doctors, nurses and technicians who treated me. Merci beaucoup!
One of the systemic issues I wish to consider in this column is indeed a disconcerting topic.
Recently I had coffee with my regular group of grouchy old persons that I am proud to be associated with. I am as grateful as I am proud to be a charter member.
One of the members reported that he went to his GP for a physical exam as he was experiencing some discomfiture in the lower abdomen. Following the exam and together with some discussion of the reported symptoms, it was suggested that he be examined by a specialist in urology. An appointment was made with one of the urologists in Niagara. My friend claims that the date of that appointment is months and months henceforth. Surely for most of us, that is as unthinkable as it is insufferable.
The Niagara Region reportedly has one of the highest rates of cancer per person in Ontario. And that unenviable status appears to be also accompanied by the longest wait lists for treatment of that terrible disease. On the other hand, I can personally attest to the excellent quality of treatment provided by the Walker Family Cancer Treatment Center attached to the St. Catherines Hospital site. That clinic is rated among the best in Canada and that evaluation is directly due to the experts who practice there from the volunteer greeter to the highest quality collection of cancer treatment specialists.
However, the shortage of doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers is reportedly the basis for this crisis level issue of unacceptable wait times. This shortage of medical professionals has been a growing and widespread issue for some years now. According to the most current poll numbers, 2.2 million Canadians are without a family doctor. The number of people without a family doctor negatively impacts the entire healthcare system. Among other afflictions, such conditions overwhelm emergency departments and treatment beds.
To conclude this piece on a somewhat more positive note, there is some movement to allow more foreign-trained medical professionals to practice within our healthcare systems. They will be encouraged to practice in under-serviced areas of the country.
And perhaps even more importantly, it is crucial for each of us to conduct healthier lifestyles and in a healthier environment in order to intercept the need to enter into the healthcare system.
