Things to ponder while waiting
Editor:
There seem to be lots of people complaining about our hospitals these days.
I am sure there are some problems, but in the last month I have spent time in Peace Arch, St. Paul’s and Vancouver General. Sure, I had to wait for some of the tests I required, but in no circumstance was I ever mistreated. The nurses and doctors were helpful and answered any questions I had.
After all, why do we go to the hospital?
Most of us go because we are sick. Too many of us want things instantly. Take a minute and look around. Do you honestly think you are the only patient these people have to look after?
I have seen more than one person walk out of the emergency ward because they could not wait. Why were they there in the first place? We do have walk-in clinics.
I, for one, would like to take the time to thank all the people I came in contact with at these hospitals – clerks, nurses and doctors. They are overworked and not appreciated.
George West, Surrey
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Wherever I go, people are complaining that they have been waiting months for their medical test.
Waiting for one’s test is very stressful because you cannot deal with the unknown.
When I visited the Jim Pattison Outpatient Care and Surgery Centre on a recent Saturday, it seemed half the building was not in use. The place was so empty you could have shot a cannon through the building.
Maybe the genius who invented user fees could figure out how to provide the taxpayer with first-class service, since we are paying five-star taxes and user fees.
Mary Mikelson, Surrey
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