Heart rehab worry

I have twice undergone openheart surgery. Fortunately, I have had access to the recognized excellence of Regina’s cardiac team — the surgeon, doctors, nurses and other hospital staff who contributed to my recovery.

It takes a doctor’s referral to be able to participate in the Dr. Paul Schwann cardiac recovery program. After your health records are reviewed, a personal program is set up. A nursing team is on hand to monitor blood pressure and other needs. Should a cardiac emergency occur, an ambulance is immediately on site for transport to hospital.

The group exercise and the various types of equipment each play a role in cardiac recovery. One of the facility’s benefits is that it provides a venue for group rehabilitation. This is an integral part of the recovery process. It is the patrons who encourage one another to stick with the maintenance of good heart care. These users have raised several thousand dollars to help pay for equipment.

I have been a patron of the Schwann cardiac rehab centre since 2002, but it now appears to have become the weakest link to cardiac recovery. The Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region no longer contributes funding for this program. Consequently, the university increased its fees substantially. The recent fee increase has made this program inaccessible to many seniors on a fixed income. Due to this, most of the people I knew no longer attend.

It would appear that the provincial government does not place a priority on seniors or preventative health care. To save a penny they’ll spend a pound.

Terry Gabriel, Regina