June 04, 2024

Letter to the Editor — A Warning from Durham

LETTER TO THE EDITOR — A hospital without beds is a very quiet place. As I sit here in the Diagnostic Imaging Dept awaiting my test, I am surrounded by my own memories of this hospital and what it has meant to me, my family and our community. I remember my first “real” job working in the kitchen with Mrs. Leach and Isabelle Wilson, and the fun we had! I remember Miss Esbaugh and Mrs. White being the “gate-keepers” of everything that would happen here. I remember being in awe of the nurses in their uniforms and caps. I recall other employees like Bessie Johnson and Harry Watson who were so valued for all they did. The community felt safe because of these folks and many others I could mention. The town trusted them to do their jobs. And they did.

In our home, community service was highly important, especially as it pertained to our hospital. Two members of my family served on the Durham Memorial Hospital Board of Directors for more than twenty years. The decisions made by that board were demanding, time-consuming and often, difficult. But again, the community trusted them to do their job of safe-guarding health care for the area. And they did.

I wonder if we could say the same of current South Bruce Grey Health Centre Board members? What would be the reactions of those good people from the past if they could see how health care decisions and delivery are being made today? Would they be as passionately opposed to the undemocratic methods being used now, as we are? Would they be appalled at the total lack of communication, as we are? Would they protest the disrespect that is now being directed at our hospital staff? Would they say the current board is doing their job? I think NOT !

Just a word to the many small towns and hospitals in Ontario: when it comes to your town, will you, like us, be protesting the dismantling of safe health care in your community?

With Sincere Concern – Harriet Mitchell

 

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