I am compelled to write this letter about my most recent use the Canada’s health-care system and more specifically the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.
First, let me say like most Canadians I have had a great deal of experience with our system of health care. From broken limbs, cuts and scrapes, colds, the birth of my children and even a visit that saved my life and my left arm from a very bad chain saw accident, and on and on.
This particular 40-hour visit began with severe stomach pain resulting in the removal of my appendix. Beginning in the emergency department, buckled over in pain and completely without the ability to do anything about my circumstance, I was at the disposal of the hospitals and its staff to alter my state of affairs.
And so my hospital stay began with an emergency room nurse who treated me with respect, compassion and even a little humour.
From there each and every hospital staff member, from the many nurses, staff moving my gurney, CT staff, operating doctors, and finally the many nurses and student nurses who attended in post operation, attended to my care.
From the beginning I was forced to give over my ability to attend to my personal needs and elevate my condition to the hospital staff.
Was it the stay perfect – no – but what was different this time around was myself. I tried to treat each person who attended me with respect and to thank everyone.
The result for me this time was that I left the hospital 18 hours after surgery in almost a state of awe and extreme gratitude.
I remain so very grateful and astounded by what we have achieved in this country.
So thank you, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. From, one of your indebted supporters.
Brian Cousineau,
Thunder Bay
