LETTER: Hospital's policies cause delays in SAH

SooToday received the following letter to the editor from reader Patrick Shepherd in response two letters, Need to change our perspective on private healthcare and Privatization won't fix Ontario's health care issues, published earlier today. 

Having read both letters regarding health care here in the Soo, may I make a couple of observations? 

A few years ago, my wife and I were involved in a traffic accident and were taken by ambulance to the SAH.

The problems are the policies used by the hospital: a doctor is the only person allowed to order tests (IEX-rays etc.). This takes time, and results take time, which all means that patients get backed up, causing delays in the emergency. I believe a good T and M person could perhaps solve some of these problems.

As for the gentleman's son, surely it is incumbent upon the hospital/doctor to arrange for the transportation of a patient, hardly the task of an MPP; however, he should be concerned that the system is not working.

Finally, many years ago, I needed surgery on my knee; after waiting a day for an appointment at the hospital, I left and contacted my doctor, who arranged for me to see a surgeon in the U.S.

Needless to say, my insurance picked up the tab, but it was done within two weeks, then I have had a re-occurrence and have been waiting for 21 months now...

As they say, beggars cannot be choosers as I don't have that coverage in retirement.

Patrick Shepherd, Sault Ste. Marie