Closing 6 West a major loss

By Letter to the Editor on November 20, 2017.

Re: The AHS decision to close Ward 6 West at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital.

On that unit are 12 palliative care beds. Reading this article saddened me.

Several years ago the Palliative Care Unit opened on 6 West. It had been a dream for many health care professionals in Medicine Hat and it was greatly needed. Almost 11 years ago my father was admitted to palliative care. It was a difficult time for our family as we faced end of life for a man we loved. The health care providers were beyond what we could have imagined. They not only cared for my father but also helped the family through this time. Other families with loved ones in the palliative wing became our friends and part of our support group as we leaned on each other. Our loved ones and families were given privacy, compassion, respect and utmost care. We could go home at night leaving Dad in the care of these professionals without a worry.

At times the occupancy of these beds was only 50 per cent and sometimes less, but at other times they were at full capacity. On the night my father passed so did two others, leaving three empty beds. That is the nature of this unit.

Katherine Chubbs, chief zone officer of AHS, made a statement to the News that Dr. Josh Foley is admired and respected and he is an important member of the clinical leadership team. It has been my feeling that when you respect and admire someone you certainly do not blindside them with the closure of the unit which they direct. This closure may have been in discussion for some time but shame on Katherine Chubbs! Dr. Foley should have been the first person to be notified in regards to the closure of the palliative wing and not have had to hear through the grapevine or read it in the paper.

It’s true we have a wonderful Carmel Hospice in Medicine Hat that provides 10 Palliative care beds. I have heard nothing but admiration for the Hospice and I know they provide exceptional and compassionate care. As Chubbs has stated, there will be a better utilization of beds as Carmel Hospice is only at 50 per cent capacity also.

I understand that for those “rare circumstances” individuals in palliative care requiring medical procedures will be accommodated elsewhere in the hospital.

I can only hope that this area will give these patients and their families the same privacy, dignity and care that the palliative care wing has in the past.

The dedication of the palliative care team will never be forgotten by our family and I know many other families feel the same as we do. Dr. Foley has our admiration and respect.

Katherine Chubbs has stated that $5.5 million will be saved by closing Ward 6 West. This also includes approximately 30 alternative living care beds for those waiting for placement in the community. The money saved is to be reinvested in health care. Let’s hope that AHS will reinvest wisely!

Jacqueline Hope-Hammel

Redcliff

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