Editor: Have you ever seen an angel in the sky? Neither have I. However, I’ve discovered the reason why. They are all down here on Earth, disguised as our health care personnel. They include doctors, technicians, nurses, nurses’ aides, emergency workers and support staff.
I recently had my eyes opened when I suffered an illness that required emergency care and neuroscience tests. Fortunately, I was well enough to walk about the 6th Floor North Tower Division in Royal Columbian Hospital, and see firsthand the day to day operation.
The facility is cramped. Every square foot of space is utilized, including the hallways where inventory and patients are located. Elderly patients are lying on beds with portable curtains surrounding them for limited privacy. I viewed a very distraught lady holding her husband’s hand. What in the world has become of our health care system? How in the heck can we expect any efficiency under these conditions?
The administrators have assembled a great team of angels who work under very stressful conditions taking care of very sick patients. The best way to describe the facility is that “it’s a beehive of activity in all areas.”
Perhaps MLAs should go undercover as individuals (no committee), and view what has been ignored as a priority for some time by our government. Don’t blame the lack of funds or the high salaries paid to these professionals who spend years preparing themselves to look after our health needs.
I’m sure the ‘calling’ they received certainly did not envision the stress of such cramped space nor the increase of elderly patients, and it will get worse.
If you are not a believer in early angels, ask any former patient or better yet, wait until you get sick. After your experience in our health care system, perhaps you too will be inclined to write a similar letter.
I am a 76-year-old and am very blessed to have had such great care by so many dedicated individuals. I’m making a donation to the Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation, and I urge others to do likewise to the hospital of your choice.
Frank Celko,
Langley