Post by Dean Robinson on Apr 17, 2007 19:03:38 GMT -5
Crowd demands change; Over 3,000 criticize hospital leaders
SHAWN JEFFORDS
Local News - Tuesday, April 17, 2007 @ 16:00
Through shouts, cheers, boos and hisses, more than 3,000 people stood up and demanded change at Bluewater Health during a public rally Monday night.
The crowd packed into the Sarnia Sports and Entertainment Centre in an unprecedented showing of community anger with Bluewater Health and problems that have swirled around the
hospital for months.
"Hell no to the status quo," shouted the crowd in unison, returning the cry of retired nurse and health care advocate Helen Havlik.
One-by-one speakers mounted the stage set up in the middle of the arena and rallied the crowd. Havlik told the crowd hospital CEO David Vigar and the board have failed the community.
"Patients are not customers," said Havlik. "Does the Bluewater Health board recognize this?"
"No," yelled the crowd in reply.
Dr. Martin Withers, long an outspoken critic of the hospital, was given a hero's welcome by the masses and a standing ovation when he concluded his address.
Even a simple thumbs up to the crowd drew raucous applause and cheers.
He called on the hospital board to acknowledge the responsibility for patient care rests with them. He also called on them to stop muzzling hospital staff and community members who disagree with administration.
"Bluewater Health may soon be listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the community hospital that has gagged, muzzled, intimidated, discredited and alienated the most staff, volunteers, clergy and citizens," he said, to thunderous applause.
Dr. Raj Singh took the stage on behalf of the hospital's doctors and vowed they would continue to fight for better patient care.
"You have our word," he said, staring intently out into the crowd. "We will be there too, the doctors of Bluewater Health. We will continue to stand by you and fight for you and for quality patient care."
Sarnia-Lambton MPP Caroline Di Cocco took the stage to muffled applause and a smattering of boos.
"Where's our new hospital?" yelled one heckler.
Di Cocco told the crowd there would be no quick fix to the situation but assured them investigator Dr. Kevin Smith has begun his work. When she told the crowd no matter what the solution some will still not be happy the arena exploded in a chorus of jeers and catcalls.
"I know, like myself, many of you are here because you genuinely care about health care," she said. "This is a frustrating situation and some of you are very angry."
Natalie Mehra of the Ontario Health Coalition told the crowd to channel that anger and focus it on the provincial government.
"You forced this (investigation), this kudos goes to you," she said. "This is the beginning of a new stage for Sarnia. Now you need to force the government to take concrete and real action."
Organizers were happy with the turnout and said the long lineup of drivers, waiting patiently to get into the parking lot at the SSEC spoke volumes about the community. They are contemplating holding another event with investigator Smith so he can hear their concerns. "I think we raised the roof right off the place," said Arlene Patterson, president of the Sarnia Health Coalition.
Patterson said now that the community is united it can make the change that is necessary.
"The problems are deep and they need to be fixed," she said. "Sarnia has spoken. I think they've done a marvelous job."
www.theobserver.ca/webapp/sitepages/content.asp?contentid=490365&catname=Local%20News&classif=
SHAWN JEFFORDS
Local News - Tuesday, April 17, 2007 @ 16:00
Through shouts, cheers, boos and hisses, more than 3,000 people stood up and demanded change at Bluewater Health during a public rally Monday night.
The crowd packed into the Sarnia Sports and Entertainment Centre in an unprecedented showing of community anger with Bluewater Health and problems that have swirled around the
hospital for months.
"Hell no to the status quo," shouted the crowd in unison, returning the cry of retired nurse and health care advocate Helen Havlik.
One-by-one speakers mounted the stage set up in the middle of the arena and rallied the crowd. Havlik told the crowd hospital CEO David Vigar and the board have failed the community.
"Patients are not customers," said Havlik. "Does the Bluewater Health board recognize this?"
"No," yelled the crowd in reply.
Dr. Martin Withers, long an outspoken critic of the hospital, was given a hero's welcome by the masses and a standing ovation when he concluded his address.
Even a simple thumbs up to the crowd drew raucous applause and cheers.
He called on the hospital board to acknowledge the responsibility for patient care rests with them. He also called on them to stop muzzling hospital staff and community members who disagree with administration.
"Bluewater Health may soon be listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the community hospital that has gagged, muzzled, intimidated, discredited and alienated the most staff, volunteers, clergy and citizens," he said, to thunderous applause.
Dr. Raj Singh took the stage on behalf of the hospital's doctors and vowed they would continue to fight for better patient care.
"You have our word," he said, staring intently out into the crowd. "We will be there too, the doctors of Bluewater Health. We will continue to stand by you and fight for you and for quality patient care."
Sarnia-Lambton MPP Caroline Di Cocco took the stage to muffled applause and a smattering of boos.
"Where's our new hospital?" yelled one heckler.
Di Cocco told the crowd there would be no quick fix to the situation but assured them investigator Dr. Kevin Smith has begun his work. When she told the crowd no matter what the solution some will still not be happy the arena exploded in a chorus of jeers and catcalls.
"I know, like myself, many of you are here because you genuinely care about health care," she said. "This is a frustrating situation and some of you are very angry."
Natalie Mehra of the Ontario Health Coalition told the crowd to channel that anger and focus it on the provincial government.
"You forced this (investigation), this kudos goes to you," she said. "This is the beginning of a new stage for Sarnia. Now you need to force the government to take concrete and real action."
Organizers were happy with the turnout and said the long lineup of drivers, waiting patiently to get into the parking lot at the SSEC spoke volumes about the community. They are contemplating holding another event with investigator Smith so he can hear their concerns. "I think we raised the roof right off the place," said Arlene Patterson, president of the Sarnia Health Coalition.
Patterson said now that the community is united it can make the change that is necessary.
"The problems are deep and they need to be fixed," she said. "Sarnia has spoken. I think they've done a marvelous job."
www.theobserver.ca/webapp/sitepages/content.asp?contentid=490365&catname=Local%20News&classif=