I am writing about my recent experiences at Abbotsford Regional Hospital.
It started on Nov. 23 when I went to emergency in extreme pain. It ended on Dec. 11, when I was released.
My admittance was very quick and I was soon under the care of a physician. I was told by the wonderful doctor that I was going to be admitted to help get the pain under control.
I was taken out of the exam room and told to sit in a recliner. This recliner’s footrest was broken and tilted to the right.
I have a few chronic conditions that make sitting in awkward positions very uncomfortable. I was informed about an hour later that this was where I was going to have to stay, as there were no beds available. I explained my health status and they actually found a bed in oncology for me. I was there for the next day and a half.
Two days later I was back in emergency, and was referred to a specialist in Chilliwack. I saw him the next day, and returned home early in the evening with more prescriptions.
Two days later, I had to return to Chilliwack to be checked over. This was Dec. 2, in the morning. That afternoon I was back in emergency as I developed excruciating pain on the way home.
I was there overnight, laying on a stretcher but on meds to control the pain.
On Dec. 4, I was back in emergency and given pain meds. The next day I was back in emergency and admitted to hospital once again. This time they found me a bed in the pediatrics department.
What I am wondering about is how a brand spanking new hospital was built so small that it can’t serve the needs of the community?
I know there are people in this hospital who spend their entire stay on a stretcher in a hallway or in a recliner in emergency.
This is not the health care that citizens of B.C. should be subjected to.
We are taxpaying citizens who support the nurses and doctors that are trained to take care of us.
When is the government going to see fit to restore our once sought-after medical system? When is health care going to be more important than profit? Instead of cutting services to keep the budget balanced, why don’t the politicians tighten their belts and take a pay cut?
I wish to thank the nurses and doctors that looked after me at ARHCC. They are the best.
Elly Rhoades