Friends of Medicare has questions for AHS about closing of Six West

The closing of Six West at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital raises far more questions than answers. When only 50 per cent of its palliative beds are occupied, why is closure the only solution?

Why did AHS not consult with our local hospice, palliative providers and other health care professionals in the Palliser region to find out why beds weren’t being occupied before offering its simplistic cost-saving solution? Why didn’t AHS provide us with a fully integrated, cost-effective plan for publicly provided palliative care for persons facing tough end-of-life decisions? Why has AHS offered us “home care” for persons requiring palliative care without any evidence that health-care providers have been prepared for such added care responsibilities? Why were the palliative bed closures in our public hospital coincidentally tied to continuing care openings in Masterpiece, a private facility, with huge costs now having to be borne by families?

What measures have AHS insisted upon to ensure health care providers outside of the hospital setting have appropriate scope of practice to deal with persons who wish to die with dignity? Why do palliative beds remain fully operative in public hospitals in Lethbridge, also in the AHS South Zone, yet Medicine Hat will now have none?

If like us, you are looking for answers, join Palliser Friends of Medicare at the public meeting of the Palliser Triangle Health Advisory Council on Nov. 27 at noon at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital.

John Beaven and Avril Torrence Medicine Hat

(The writers are members of Palliser Friends of Medicare.)