Sarnia Observer, Letters to the Editor

WE NEED TO PROTECT PALLIATIVE CARE UNIT

 Sir:

July 19, 2009, marked four years since the inception of the Save Palliative Care Committee. This sub-group of the Sarnia Lambton Palliative Care Association was created to address the concern that the Dr. Bowering Palliative Care Unit at Bluewater Health could hit the chopping block in December 2005, in an attempt to balance the fiscal budget for the hospital. The Committee rallied the community to advocate for maintenance of the palliative beds in the hospital, as well as for the establishment of hospice beds.

 A letter to Dr. Kevin Smith on July 19, 2005, from the committee requested a meeting with him to discuss the importance of maintaining the palliative unit related to the expertise the unit provides as well as the unique demographics of the Sarnia-Lambton community. Dr. Smith heard the concerns from the community and his recommendation to the Bluewater Health board and medical director was for six to eight freestanding beds supported by a multidisciplinary team.

 The Save Palliative Care Committee continues to be vigilant in ensuring that the Dr. Bowering Palliative Care Unit is "untouched." Members of the committee continue to field calls from the community verbalizing their fear that the hospice's opening is a stepping stone toward the closure of the palliative care unit.

Many community members are angry that the government has put money into the hospice when the hospital attempts to balance a budget. Health professionals see the hospice as taking nursing jobs away from the community as proposed staffing at the hospice is filled by a high percentage of trained volunteers.

It is hoped that this strategy does not let the government (the LHIN) off the hook for funding for health care in this community. We encourage you to continue to be vigilant to ensure that the palliative care unit continues to be untouched as the hospice moves towards opening September 2009. The hospice and the palliative care unit are required in this community.

 The annual general meeting of the Sarnia Lambton Palliative Care Association will be held June 30 at 7 p. m. at the West Lambton Community Health Centre. Please attend to learn of the winner of the Dr Linda Bowering Essay contest, as well as to become a member of the Sarnia Lambton Palliative Care Association.

 -- Audrey Stringer, Mary Ellen McDonald

Sarnia Lambton Palliative Care Association

Article ID# 1629089