August 2010 – What’s on your mind
Well, constituents, summer time didn’t stop you from phoning, emailing or dropping into the office. Healthcare is still your #1 priority, followed by education, seniors, and surprisingly enough my web page.
I heard from many of you about the dispute between Alberta Health Services and HRC (Health Resource Centre). You indicated you didn’t care that it was privately run and publicly funded you just wanted your surgery done in a timely matter. Those who have had surgery done at HRC raved about the quality of care you received. We continue to get calls on the lack of mental health beds, and trying to access help for your mentally ill family member. Family doctors or should I say lack of family doctors still remains a concern. No sooner do we hear about a family doctor taking new patients they are full. It is sad to realize that in the year 2010 you still cannot find a doctor. I see that every day with long line-ups at the Medi-Centre next to my office. Canada’s Health Minister recently rejected the venous obstruction ) also referred to as the ‘liberation treatment’) treatment for MS patients. MS researchers and scientists sited that the treatment was not ethically acceptable to conduct clinical trials. The Alberta Government committee will continue to look into the new treatment to determine how best to serve MS patients.
Education continues to be one of your top issues. I was honored to send over 400 letters to young people in Fish Creek congratulating them on obtaining a scholarship. Students have expressed their frustration with increased non-instructional fees at the university they’re attending. Parents have also called wondering if their child with disabilities will get the funding they deserve but won’t know that till the school year begins.
Seniors have called about the lack of long term care beds and your loved one being stuck in the hospital. It is frustrating to you that the hospital is charging you per day as your family member waits to move into long term care. We are trying to work with AHS but there is nothing we can do — as there are no beds available. As I said a few months ago when the government announced new beds — show me the beds!!
My website is certainly generating lots of hits and comments. By the number of hits you seem to enjoy “What’s on your mind” and “Out & About”. I also appreciate you taking time to leave your concerns and enjoy talking to you as a follow up from your posting.
Lastly, many thanks to those who talked to me when I was out door knocking. We all lead busy lives and the few minutes you took means great deal to me. We hope to continue door knocking during September so I look forward to seeing you then.