Health care system stressed

Dear Editor,

In reference to the comment in “New Doctor could be coming to Barrhead,” it was stated that the town and county councillors believe that the town is “blessed by a high number of doctors.” In fact, Darrell Troock “reckoned we already have about 13 doctors.” Oops! Tell that to someone who has waited weeks to see a doctor or cannot find a doctor taking new patients.

In reality we have just six full-time doctors taking appointments in the two clinics. In addition there is one half-time doctor, one occasional doctor and a resident here temporarily. Some help comes to provide relief in the emergency room on occasion.

How long to get an appointment for a non-urgent medical problem? About three weeks, perhaps longer. Does this suggest even marginally adequate medical care? As our population has aged and our needs continue to become ever greater, the number of doctors has dropped by about half in the past 20 years.

In addition, doctors are not taking new patients so anyone new to the area is even more desperate. One can also assume that due to lack of timely access, patients are undoubtedly sicker when they do present at ER or the clinic, requiring more follow-up and intervention.

I know local people are worried about inadequate health care and Coun. Troock’s comment was very misleading. He and his fellow councillors appear to be sadly out of touch, which is very unfortunate coming from those who have a stake in decisions that directly impact citizens in the area.

Unfortunately the situation is similarly dire all over rural Alberta, so it is easy to lose hope that it will improve soon.

Meanwhile, our doctors are working hard and coping under trying circumstances. Let’s hope that the up-coming election will allow opportunity for some meaningful and constructive dialogue on this issue.

We must make it clear, beginning with our local politicians, how much we value health care and how stressed the system is locally.

Maureen Fiebich