Feature Article,June 24, 2004
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Re: Cutbacks to HealthcareI am writing this letter to ask our MPP, Ms. Leona Dombrowsky and the Ontario Government, to seriously consider this example of how the cutbacks to healthcare are negatively impacting our seniors.
On May 9, 2004, my 95-year-old mother, who is a resident of Pine Meadows Nursing Home in Northbrook, was transferred to L&A County General Hospital with a life-threatening illness. On May 16, 2004, I received a call from the hospital that my mother was well enough to return to the nursing home. During the call it was stressed to me that she was unable to travel by car, and that returning by ambulance was not an option, as the Ontario Government no longer covers the cost of returning seniors to their nursing homes after a hospital stay.
The hospital said they would make arrangements for Advanced Patient N.E.T. Ltd. to return my mother to Pine Meadows. I was then told that this company would charge $214 for their service, which included a $10 charge for oxygen that she would use during the trip. Despite my concerns regarding the credentials of this service, I agreed to this arrangement because there was no other option.
After paying for her nursing home fees, my mother has approximately $100 left over each month. This amount barely covers the cost other personal items
such as clothing and toiletries and prescriptions that aren't covered. Mr. McGuinty, please tell me, how can the Ontario Government suggest that my mother, or any senior citizen in a nursing home, are supposed to be able to afford a ride home from the hospital?
On behalf of the defenseless seniors of Ontario, I urge the Ontario Government to reconsider a cutback that has clearly been directed at our vulnerable seniors, and to be more considerate when making future budget decisions.
Mrs. lona Rosenblath
Parham Ambulance Service is Great!Better late than never. I want to thank Dave and Dee of the Parham Ambulance Service for their performance when they had tocome outto a call in the early morning hoursa couple of weeks ago. They responded in goodtime tomy residence in one of the less-travelled areas of the township(which means some of the trickier roads!). While Dave and Dee helped my friend who had an unfortunate accident, their manner was both professional and friendly -- a great combination that comforted both me and my friend. This paramedic service is a hidden resource that most of us don't even need to think about until an emergency comes up.
Have you ever looked at the access to your property from the point of view of the driver of an emergency vehicle? Maybe it's time to clear away overhanging branches, widen your driveway or make other improvements so an ambulance or fire truck isn't delayed when it needs to drive up to your house, cottage or business
Gail Burgess, Arden
Where are they?The provincial Liberal Government has raised Hydro electric rates to unprecedented heights. Increased Hydro bills are affecting all Ontarions, including business owners, but will be particularly hard on people with low incomes.
Is there a provincial plan to deal with escalating costs?
Letter to the editor:
Where are they?
The provincial Liberal Government has raised Hydro electric rates to unprecedented heights. Increased Hydro bills are affecting all Ontarions, including business owners, but will be particularly hard on people with low incomes.
Is there a provincial plan to deal with escalating costs?
Where are Dalton, Leona, John and the rest of the Liberals now that they have the political reins and power to act?
- Brad Flear
