1916 replies to this topic

[Victoria Watcher]

John Scully has been living with a major depressive disorder diagnosis for four decades, and despite trying nearly every treatment known to medicine, from shock therapy to trans-magnetic stimulation, his condition has not improved.

 

The 82-year-old says he wants that suffering to end. He wants to do it legally, painlessly, in a way that respects his loved ones. He wants medical assistance in dying.

 

But like many Canadians who suffer from mental illnesses that their doctors have been unable to successfully treat, Scully has had to wait.

 

The Liberal government passed legislation in 2021 that would expand eligibility to patients whose only condition is a mental disorder, which included a two-year delay so that practice guidelines could be developed. Last month, it hastily legislated another year of delay.

 

Scully said in an interview that the wait is beyond agonizing.

 

“I have utter contempt for the panels, and the government that has delayed the application of (assisted dying),” Scully said. “They can’t make up their minds. That’s the reason they kick the can down the road.”

 

 

https://www.cheknews...-dying-1147831/

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 09 April 2023 - 03:16 PM.

[Victoria Watcher]

The wealth of your neighbourhood can affect your chances of surviving a heart attack, study shows

 

 

https://www.timescol...y-shows-6813735

 

 

 

 

That's why I always drive right though Uplands, Broadmead and Dean Park on my way to work.  

 

 

 

#clownworld healthcare statistics division

 

 

 

There are multiple reasons for this, he explained. For example, elevated stress levels and a lack of control over their life are tied to a person’s risk of high blood pressure, diabetes and other factors that increase the chances of heart problems. Those who are poorer are more likely to have comorbidities, and they tend to have less access to health care because they may lack sick days or have to travel farther to get to a hospital. The quality of care patients receive depends on how well-funded their hospital is, and how doctors and other clinicians treat them, Dr. McKenzie said.

 

 

Also, poor people are more irresponsible, even with their own health and diet, and less likely to seek timely care and life-saving lifestyles.  So there is that.  Their lack of effort and work ethic, addictions, and low IQ is also a reason they are poor.

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 10 April 2023 - 02:13 AM.

[Mike K.]

I didn’t realize we had funding disparities between hospitals in the rich parts of Victoria and the less rich parts of Victoria.

Does that mean the hospital in Oak Bay has the best doctors and the best funding, and the one in Colwood is best avoided?

[Victoria Watcher]

I think the other one is in View Royal, a municipality that should be eradicated.

[Stephen James]

"Also, poor people are more irresponsible, even with their own health and diet, and less likely to seek timely care and life-saving lifestyles.  So there is that.  Their lack of effort and work ethic, addictions, and low IQ is also a reason they are poor."

 

These are some generalizations... lol

 

Poor people = stupid, irresponsible, lazy, and indulgent

[LJ]

The NDP has been adamant about shutting down private suppliers of health care, but now they are going to pay for 2400 people, plus a person to accompany them, to go to Bellingham to get cancer treatments. All transportation, food, accommodation costs will be covered. That has to be a lot cheaper, right?

 

https://globalnews.c...-for-treatment/

[Matt R.]

Lady Minto ER was closed last weekend, same this weekend I hear, and the local Doctors have put out a press release.  Biggest news here, to me, is that there are 11 practicing MD's here!

This weekend is the busiest one on Salt Spring with all big soccer tournament. Don't break any bones out there!

"Lady Minto Hospital physicians speak out and seek public support

By

CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE

May 19, 2023

An urgent communique signed by 11 doctors on behalf of the Lady Minto Hospital Medical Staff Association was sent to the Driftwood on Friday, May 19 — the most specific characterization of Salt Spring’s physician staffing crisis yet made public.

The full text is below.

Physician Shortage

• Lady Minto Hospital Emergency Department

• Specialties – Maternal Care and Psychiatry

The purpose of this communique is to advise our community of the physician staffing crisis that is impacting our community.

Emergency

1. There is a severe staffing shortage of physicians covering emergency room shifts at the Lady Minto Hospital. The current situation is there are twenty-five 12-hour shifts that are not covered for the period up until the end of August.

2. The Lady Minto Hospital Emergency Department has activated the diversion protocol which leaves the community at times without an on-site physician, like other rural communities on Vancouver Island. However, the situation on Salt Spring Island is unique as there is no opportunity for an ambulance or patients to drive down the highway to the next emergency department or urgent care centre. The medical staff would like to emphasize that the emergency department remains open 24/7 for medical assessments.

3. The staffing shortage and emergency department diversion is expected to continue through the summer and onward. There is significant risk associated with this as many medical problems cannot be managed by phone. Transportation off-island can be complex and may delay care even when the transport request is at the highest level. All Salt Spring Island Medical Staff emergency physicians feel an ethical obligation to provide care in these emergency scenarios despite an ever-depleting number of practitioners. They risk burnout attempting to provide 24/7 emergency care and inpatient care whilst continuing to run their own family practices. Unfortunately, the emergency department is as busy as ever due to the very high number of unattached patients that have no family doctor and the increasing medical complexity of the aging population of Salt Spring Island.

4. Medical staff continue to work with Island Health on solutions to this physician shortage. Unfortunately, it remains difficult to recruit emergency physicians who do not reside on Salt Spring Island. The medical staff is also actively involved in recruitment and retention efforts for more primary care physicians and a primary care network that will then alleviate the burden placed on the emergency department.

Specialties

1. Salt Spring Island midwifery services remain on diversion for births on Salt Spring Island due to a shortage of maternal care nurses and funding for these important staff. There is ongoing communication with Island Health to attempt to alleviate this issue.

2. A lack of any local psychiatrists remains a huge issue for those suffering from mental health issues on Salt Spring Island, particularly regarding the provision of longitudinal care. This in turn places a greater burden on the emergency department. The Medical Staff Association continues to be actively engaged in the recruitment effort here in partnership with Island Health.

The Lady Minto Hospital Medical Staff Association are bringing this to your attention to solicit your support. The emergency department physician coverage crisis will continue to impact our community over the summer months. The absence of key specialty staff on Salt Spring Island is negatively impacting patient care and our community. Your support and public knowledge are needed to work through this crisis and come together with solutions."

 

[Victoria Watcher]

The Shocking Truth About Canada's Euthanasia Program. It's Way Worse Than You Think.

 

Matt Walsh VIDEO today: https://twitter.com/...431911011475458

 

 

 

This is the ghoul that lives to kill people, she thrives off it, loves it:

 

 

 

'It's the most rewarding work we've ever done': Canadian doctor who's euthanized 400 people proudly shares how she helped kill man deemed incapable of choosing assisted suicide - as another physician says she's helped 300 die

 

https://www.dailymai...ng-suicide.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quebec funeral homes offer space for families to gather, say goodbye at assisted deaths

 

https://www.cbc.ca/n...dying-1.6850304

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 24 May 2023 - 11:49 AM.

[todd]

The right to choose your own destiny. Such a depressing topic.



https://youtu.be/t5s4HjCPfKw

Edited by todd, 24 May 2023 - 01:29 PM.

[AllseeingEye]

Not an Island Health issue per se but this is the closest topic I can find for this; today I went into VGH for my third ever endoscopy, i.e. a colonoscopy. The first time I was 52 and then I've had them at 5 year intervals since.

 

I can't emphasize strongly enough how important it is that folks arrange for the procedure especially once you hit a certain age or especially if recommended by your GP. It still amazes me how many people, guys especially, that I know who are at or beyond their mid-50's who haven't done it because of 'embarrassment' or perhaps because they have an innate fear of hospitals etc. I can actually count on beyond my ten fingers how many men I know in that position. Just. Do. It. Gents. It could save your life so a few minutes on a table with the specialist and a nurse or two is a small trade off for good health and peace of mind. More so if they discover an issue that can be far more readily dealt with earlier than later when it might be too late....

 

Besides you have the option of anaesthetic and believe me an IV with 400mg of fentanyl and medazolam will relax you and mitigate 'embarrassment' to the point you are actually legally impaired and not permitted to drive for 24 hours. You'll be conscious but frankly not care one bit who is doing what to you during the procedure although some minor discomfort is inevitable periodically during the exam. When I got home at 10am I was so wobbly I conked out and slept all day. And peacefully, knowing no major issues were discovered.

Edited by AllseeingEye, 11 July 2023 - 07:34 PM.

[Nparker]

What's a GP?

[AllseeingEye]

/\ There's that certainly - and maybe that is even more of an argument to be proactive about your health especially as you get into and beyond your 50's; if you don't have a GP go to your nearest clinic when you have a health issue - my GP recommended that in the absence of a regular doc, and go to the same clinic each time so over time they get to know you and you establish a medical history and record with them, or register for TELUS or some other online tele-health service option, but under no circumstances should people just do nothing.

 

I know a buddy very close to me who is the same age and has never gone for an endoscopy which is the very definition health-wise of playing with fire. And I know for a fact its due to the 'embarrassment' factor. The last time we discussed it, for the umpteenth time, I simply said that being embarrassed is far better than being dead. Besides these are medical professionals who have "been there seen that" 1000 times.

[Matt R.]

Everyone told me the prep was awful, and maybe it was for them or maybe we have different ideas of “awful” but the whole procedure was a piece of cake and the drugs were fabulous. Ativan, fentanyl and propofol. What a great nap!

Worst part was getting Covid. Lol.

[UDeMan]

Are you able to get a colonoscopy just by asking your GP?

My GP sent me for the FIT test. Came back no issues, so not sent for the colonoscopy.

[Matt R.]

I wouldn’t know. Given family history, doc said go at 45 so I went.

[spanky123]

Colon cancer is generally very slow growing and easily treatable at its early stages (ie polyps). If you wait until you have visible signs of problems (ie blood in stool) then you face potentially life-altering treatment (or worse).

 

If you have a family history of colon cancer then 40/45 is when you should start with screening, 50 otherwise. The interval of testing will be dependent on outcomes (ie whether they find polyps benign or otherwise).

 

As everyone knows, our medical system is fu&$%ed. You are going to run into family doctors who are reluctant to do referrals or who think a FIT test is a substitute for a colonoscopy. You will run into specialists who lose paperwork or forget to update your family doctor. As important as it is to get tested, it is even more important to chase down appointments and insist that you get tested according to medical guidelines. If you sit around waiting for life to happen then the medical system is quite happy to pass you by and devote resources to the next in line.

[Barrrister]

What is a GP and where can you get one. 

[Victoria Watcher]

Rochester.

[Mike K.]

I went in for an MRI at Royal Jubilee in February, and still haven’t heard a peep.

I’m thinking that’s not normal.

[Victoria Watcher]

When it’s really bad news they rarely call you to follow up.