Weighing in on long wait

Recently I accompanied a senior in her mid-80s to the University Hospital for preop instructions for a serious surgery she was to have several days later.

She had been told it would take two to four hours. It ended up taking 6-1/2 hours.

After we checked in, we were told to wait in a room full of people.

We waited and waited and were then shown a short video explaining procedures. We then waited until a nurse took us to her office to discuss the details. The nurse was very professional and had considerable patience even though she had many people to see.

Next, we went for an X-ray and waited again. Then back to the waiting room before we could see the anesthetist. We were then told to go down to the admitting office.

She also needed blood tests. All the labs have moved to the new Edmonton Clinic building, so we had to find our way there, which turned out to be at 114th Street and University Avenue, quite far if you are walking.

More than six hours later, we got into the car and drove home, after paying $26.50 for parking.

It took so long because there were not enough staff. Now Alberta Health Services is going to search for $185 million in savings. It can start by reinstating a thirdparty audit of the expenses of former health region executives.

Something has to be done to improve this system. With the population of seniors increasing, the wait next time will be eight hours.

A. M. Wilson, Edmonton