Editor:
Once again, economics rule. Vancouver Coastal Health and everyone who supports their discriminatory move of citizens from the auspices of public health to a private, for-profit business demonstrate blatant disregard for the well being of those of us who are most fragile.
Although it is our tax dollars footing the bill, Trellis has managed to manoeuvre public funds and public services in secret – not once, but twice. Yes, let’s hand over this very costly, powerless and fragile group of citizens. These people aren’t contributing much, they pay minimal taxes and very few vote. Opposition: negligible.
Will the revenue gains and losses at each end of the Sunshine Coast mean anything to those families who lose their loved ones due to the stress of being uprooted and placed in an unfamiliar environment? Will it mean anything to residents or their families when they can’t afford services and equipment that could relieve suffering and add to quality of life? Are revenue gains and losses relevant when considering the impact of loss of care hours and access to doctors, poorer food quality, fewer activities, higher costs and reduced services? The phrase “quality of life” is becoming yet another empty concept government bandies about when referring to long-term care patients.
Government inspection processes are ineffective in capturing the true workings of a facility. Deterrents to ignoring licensing requirements are virtually non-existent. With a captive consumer, there is no advantage for a profit-driven organization to put people first.
Let economics rule, and be damned humanity. This seems to be our new world.
Nancy Skelcher, Sechelt
