Editor:
My partner had a health crisis this last fall which ultimately resulted in the need for surgery (surprisingly) performed right here at Sechelt Hospital. We hear a lot about how our health care system is failing these days, and it certainly is in many respects, but I want readers to know that there are still pockets of great care happening — even locally! — and you never know when you might be the lucky recipient of such care, so please don’t give up hope.
I want to thank the surgeon, Dr. Ramin Kholdebarin for his excellent work, the skilled anesthesiologists (whose names I unfortunately do not know), and the wonderful nurses in the day surgery unit at Sechelt Hospital. My partner’s care both leading up to the surgery and afterward was top-notch, and we are both deeply grateful for everyone’s professionalism and kindness.
I should also note that we were fortunate to have quick access to a family doctor (two, in fact) at the now-shuttered Sechelt Medical Clinic when my partner’s condition first manifested. Without this, I’m not sure what the outcome would have been; it certainly would have been a lot more stressful and confusing for both of us.
We will unfortunately be losing our GP sometime this year.
People take the health care system for granted…until they need it. Everyone reading this is one unforeseen accident or emergency away from being totally dependent on that system, regardless of how much you exercise, how well you eat, or how robust you think your immune system is. We all need to treat this issue as top priority and demand that our elected leaders do as well.
MJ Lord, Sechelt
