The Niagara-on-the-Lake Local received the following letter about the new Niagara South hospital.
Thrilled to read about the new multi-million dollar hospital being built in Niagara Falls. However, some funds need to be spent closer to the patient.
I recently went to a regional hospital to discuss the progression of a cancer from which many men suffer. A biopsy was recommended. I’ve had it before and it was particularly painful (and invasive, but we’ll leave that part out).
I asked the doctor if it could be performed under a mild anaesthetic. Another recent procedure affecting a similar part of the anatomy was done while I was happily unconscious. No pain, no strain. But the doc said only that their anaesthetist budget had been cut by 30 per cent. They saved their anaesthetists for actual surgery.
My choice? Submit to an excruciating procedure locally on OHIP or cross the border and get it done comfortably for cash. Tough decisions, not made easily when millions are being spent on a new facility with no hint on how they will fund the actual doctoring.
Nigel Napier-Andrews
Niagara-on-the-Lake
