I am writing this letter from the Robin hospital waiting to be discharged having spent the night here. At 4:30pm on Friday I received multiple wasp stings at the Lake of the Prairies. My Epi pen was 70 miles away. By the time I arrived to the Roblin Hospital the allergic reaction was in full force. Thanks to Dr Maluka and the nursing staff for saving my life.
This example illustrates why all communities must maintain their health facilities. In 1996 hospitals across Canada centralized because Jean Chrétien cut $13 billion from health. PM Martin followed and left PM Harper a $12 billion surplus, which he wasted. In 2016 the Canada health accord expired and Harper refused to renew it.
PM Justin Trudeau didn't do much better. He played the divide and conquer game with the provinces. Manitoba still hasn't signed on.
Politicians of all stripes have cut health care under the guise of saving money. Is saving money more important than saving lives?
As one becomes a senior citizen one realizes that all the money in a bank account cannot buy back health. When governments close hospitals, cut nursing care, cut ER access and response, they are putting your life on the line.
Municipal governments and citizens must stand up against these detrimental cuts. Remember, only the squeaky wheel gets the grease. Don't wait until it’s too late. Write letters, telephone and lobby both your MP and MLA, and your local government.
