Negative Health Care Issues

Scenario 1

When I was only 74, I decided to write the College of Physicians and Surgeons outlining an experience I had when my regular doctor was away. It was just a follow up on some blood work and to check my blood pressure. But after keeping me waiting for over a ½ hour in the examination room, the locum whizzed in and proceeded to tell me that my liver functioning results would be a concern if I were younger. Then, before walking out or checking my blood pressure, said, “You know, women can usually live to be 82 and you should make it!” So, I picked up my pen and sent my concerns off to the College (you couldn’t fill the form in online or send it by email).

I was shocked when I got a letter from the College – they had simply sent my letter to the doctor in question and then sent me his rebuttal claiming I had misunderstood him and that he had treated me just as he would anyone else – certainly no apology! They called to see if his letter had cleared things up. I said, “No” and they offered that I could write back. I shredded the letter!

Scenario 2

I also reached out to the Health Sciences Centre after an upsetting situation with a doctor who had performed a procedure last year. I was already sedated when the doctor came in to perform the procedure; I didn’t see or hear the doctor and I never had a conversation with him. He just left a report for the nurses to give me when I was discharged. It was full of non-medical facts about me that were outright lies! I couldn’t be quiet so, as soon as I was awake enough, I wrote to the doctor and dropped it in the mailbox.

I figured the doctor would not read the letter, but I’d done all I could. And it felt good! Next morning, however, I woke up thinking that the hospital might just have a Patient Resource Department and sure enough they did. So, I quickly sent them an email and attached a copy of my letter. I didn’t really expect a response, but, by 9:30 a.m. they emailed me and asked if I’d allow them to help me address the situation. Of course, I said yes. But, still had a little hope of getting a response from him. However, I was wrong! Around 1:30 in the afternoon, the doctor phoned me and made a half-hearted apology, and many excuses, but at least he acknowledged my concerns. I have been referred to a different specialist and the difference is like night and day!