Exam procedure could lead to abuse

Dear editor: There is a serious problem at Interior Health in our beautiful city of Penticton. When a male nurse is checking a female below the waist and a female caretaker is sent to a male’s home to give them a shower and wash their privates, it makes the caretaker and the client uncomfortable! Why can’t a male take care of a male and a female take care of a female?

Even a family doctor that is a male needing to do a checkup on a female patient would bring in a female assistant.

I have heard of several complaints around town. These situations could lead to abuse and there is definitely something wrong with the management, they should be investigated. Who is in charge of the management? Ed Schroeder, Kaleden

EDITOR’S NOTE: We asked Interior Health to respond to this letter. The following statement was provided on behalf of South Okanagan health services administrator Susan Brown:

All Interior Health employees are professionals in their field and are committed to delivering highquality care. We develop a care plan for each individual who receives care through Interior Health. The care provider works closely with the client to address unique needs. We respect all clients’ requests for care and do our best to accommodate them. If a client or their family is concerned about their care, we want to know. If you have a concern or complaint, speak with the person who provided the service, or to the manager of the area to resolve any issues at the time and place care is received. You can also contact Interior Health’s Patient Care Quality Office at 1-877-442-2001 to formally register a complaint.