Seniors upset over hospital wait times

Chris Traber, Staff Writer

12/29/05 00:00:00
Patients are remaining patient no longer, a Richmond Hill senior, who had to wait eight months to be informed she must linger another 18 months for pain-relieving spinal surgery, said.

"I'm just not a priority," said 81-year-old widow Lena Lipp whose compressed disc has made her a hostage in her own home. "I'm scheduled at York Central (Hospital), but I've been told I've got a year and a half worth of wait.

"I understand their predicament with no money and no beds.

"But, honestly, I don't know how much longer I can go on with this pain. Life's just not worth living right now."

Oak Ridges MPP Frank Klees pleaded his constituents' cases in Queens Park. Acting Premier Leona Dombrowski's recommendation was a visit to the government's wait time website -- ontariowaittimes.com -- to see if local patients can find services elsewhere in Ontario.

"This government thinks that a website showing wait times across the province is an acceptable answer to people who are suffering debilitating pain while they wait for surgery," Mr. Klees said.

"I have news for the government and the Minister of Health. People are suffering and doctors are at the end of their rope trying to get time in operating rooms to perform these needed surgeries and deflecting the very real needs of people is unacceptable."

This week, the McGuinty government claimed it is providing better access to health care by investing an additional $83.5 million in diagnostic and medical equipment.

"We are reducing wait times and improving the delivery of health care in Ontario," Health Minister George Smitherman said.

"These investments will improve patient care, enhance patient safety and create better working environments for all health care workers."

But Mr. Klees questioned the actual impact of such announcements.

"This government's weekly pronouncements of how well they are managing health care is belied by the facts of the real world. Wait times are increasing on their watch."

Ms Lipp lives alone, her independence threatened by constant pain.

"I can't go out and I need help with shopping." she said. "My son lives downtown and helps out with cooking.

"I haven't been out in six months and don't even know what's going on outside my door. I just wish they could do something."

Days before the holidays, Ms Lipp faced the spectre of sleepless nights and silent suffering.

"The solution? I don't know. Where the government is putting their millions I don't know. They just can't let people hurt so bad for so long.

"I've never needed anything from a hospital in 79 years. I paid taxes all my life and now when I need them, I have to wait."