Heart patient worries about gaps in Sault health care

SooToday.com has received a copy of a letter (below) sent to Ontario's minister of health by a loyal Sault Ste. Marie reader concerned about gaps in local health care.

In his e-mail to us, the reader notes: "I have waited four weeks for a response and have not received as much as a form letter from the Ministry or the Minister herself. I contacted the group in charge of doctor recruitment here in Sault Ste. Marie to ask for advice and was simply told, 'We are aware of the situation but have been unsuccessful in filling the gap.' I was advised to address my symptoms at The Emergency Dept. but because they are not persistent enough it would be difficult to time it correctly.
 
"For those not aware of the gaps in health care in the Sault  and for those who are aware but are in the same situation as I am, perhaps someone could suggest a solution short of rolling the dice and hoping that another cardiologist becomes available before my heart completely plugs and just stops working."
 

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Sunday, November 18, 2012

The Honourable Deb Mathews, PhD, 
Minister of Health and Long-Term Care
Province of Ontario, Canada.

Dear Minister,

“What am I to do?”

Forgive my forward approach, however this is a question I am unable to find an answer to.

My name is Tom Green.

I am a 53-year-old Ontario resident living in the city of Sault Ste. Marie.

In January, 2008, I suffered a major coronary event which led to immediate 3x C.A.B.G. surgery.

In the days leading up to the event, I experienced intermittent chest pains, numbness and a few other symptoms that I later learned were signs of what was to come.

During my recovery period at home, my family doctor was able to refer me to a local cardiologist for specialized care and between the two of them I was very well cared for.

About four years ago, my family doctor, after 20+ years of excellent care, opted for a well-deserved retirement.

He was unable to provide me with a referral to another GP so that left a small gap in my health care but my cardiologist was more than willing to pick up the slack.

Over the last three years, my health has deteriorated somewhat and I have undergone regular testing and been closely monitored up until 6-7 months ago. 

The testing all but stopped, the appointments became few and far between and with almost no notice my cardiologist announced he was closing his practice here in the Sault and moving to points south. 

Little notice, no referrals, prescriptions for cardiac medication and blood thinners running out (not renewable at walk-in clinics).

I don’t know the reasons behind his rather sudden decision and the politics or economics behind such a decision are not my concern.

I have used the government's “Find a Doctor” database and discovered that there are only three practicing cardiologists in Sault Ste. Marie, one of which refused to treat me because I have been unable to rid myself of a nicotine addiction, one who seems to be on the road or teaching more than he actually practices in the Sault and the third, who has performed a number of test procedures on me but who is also overwhelmed by the orphaned patients of my  cardiologist as of his departure.

Madame Minister, I write today because I am concerned with the situation as a whole for Sault Ste. Marie and its citizens but also I write today because over the past several weeks the symptoms I  experienced prior to my first cardiac event have returned and are becoming more frequent by the day.

I have always been a defender of our Emergency Dept. in the Sault Area Hospital and understand that clogging its doors with health issues that would be better attended to by a private practice physician is the correct approach and for this reason feel it is not the avenue I should use to address my current concerns.

Unfortunately that takes me back to my original question: “What am I to do?”

Respectfully,

- Tom Green, Sault Ste. Marie, ON

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