Re: Rehab Unit at the Chilliwack General Hospital
This is what I know.
For 82 days, Feb. 19 to May 9 this year, my family member, G, was in hospital.
A bed-line transfer in late March brought G from Vancouver to Chilliwack General Hospital. This greatly reduced family care stress. By mid April G. was in rehab where the care by doctors, nurses, aides and rehab personnel intensified to aide in recovery due to their great enthusiasm and assistance. This team also greatly reduced my stress level and high blood pressure which had become a huge concern. Family and friends were able to visit easier now since G. was in Chilliwack. Even visiting for a few minutes encouraged her to health.
Things were going well with G. recovering nicely and finally well enough to come home.
Then, “BAM” – the article in the Chilliwack Progress (May 29) regarding the closure of rehab!
I was in shock as well as the people I know personally who are in rehab – even today.
We have a good and essential rehab system established since 2006.
Why re-invent the wheel now?
The sub acute unit must stay as originally designated, not moved.
The outpatient services can be added to Chilliwack.
Saving money is the goal, but, it is not saving the mental health of the patients and families.
Chilliwack’s population is growing, therefore, we need to keep this well established service right here where our people need them! To out-source the “high intensity’’ and ‘’less intensive’’ programs is disturbing since it affects so many people in a negative way. To move the rehab is a more stressful situation to the patients and their families who participate in daily direct care. That was the original mandate six years ago. The move would add many miles to the journey at a huge cost and inconvenience to the already stressed out patients and families. This I know!
Doctors take an oath “to do no harm”, and yet that is exactly what the Fraser Health Authority and the CGH directors are doing.
Chilliwack doctors and first line staff were not even consulted on this decision!
Only now do you think of a task force !
Improve the system right here, please, not elsewhere.
Please listen to the people that use this vital program! Quit distancing yourselves from your people.
Norma Jean Boisvert (caregiver)
Glenda Jean Pearson (patient)