I'll tell you this, Dr. Walde

SooToday.com has received the following letter from loyal reader Erin Addison in Sudbury, concerning the recently-announced earlier-than-anticipated retirement of Dr. David Walde (shown):

************************* Dr. Walde:

I've yet to meet you, but understand that you have been a reliable, compassionate, dedicated doctor to those in need of your assistance, including my step-father.

He was diagnosed a year ago with a very rare form of cancer, and you've made it a point to stay in contact with doctors from Toronto to help in the understanding of this cancer (Mesothelioma).

I think the hospital administration needs to take another look on how they allocate their monies, and make the appropriate changes to ensure that the patients that need palliative care will receive the quality of care, with the most qualified doctors that they deserve.

I also feel that the government should make large industries support their local hospitals in the form of large donations for such services as oncology since we are now finding that some cancers are work related.

It doesn't much matter that the Compensation Board pays these receipt ants for their care, if they will not get hope or help on the biggest fight of their lives.

I do commend Dr. Walde for standing up for what he believes in.

It will be a very sad day when he retires.

I ask, who is more compassionate, caring, considerate, dedicated and gives his patients hope, when sometimes there just doesn't seem to be any?

I'll tell you, Dr. Walde.

Shame on you people in the hospital administration.

I pray that you, family or loved ones never need the services of someone of Dr. Walde's stature.

Personally I think you people should be down on your knees begging him to stay for many years, and ensuring him that you will find the monies for the Algoma District Cancer Program to run at its full potential.

I ask the people of Sault Ste Marie to stand up, let your voice be heard now.

The emotionally rollercoaster is a ride you’ll never forget, but if you have to travel for proper care then there also will be a large financial burden.

We all have known at some point in our lives someone who has battle this horrific disease.

Let all those who battle this with dignity, hope and the best possible care Sault Ste Marie has to offer.

Erin Addison Sudbury, Ontario (Step-daughter of Frank Zubel)

************************* Full SooToday.com coverage of this story

Fed up with hospital administrators, Walde walks On Dr. Walde's departure and the cancer bunker City Council expresses concern about hospital situation You speak for all of us, Dr. Walde I'll tell you this, Dr. Walde