`Anti-science rhetoric' must go: health leaders

Health care CEOS lament social posts and misinformation during pandemic

As the health system creeps closer to a breaking point under the weight of skyrocketing COVID-19 rates, regional officials made a plea Monday for people to end the “anti-science rhetoric” and do more to stop the virus.

Hotel-dieu Grace Healthcare CEO Janice Kaffer said during a Facebook panel discussion there are health-care workers fighting COVID-19 who have family members that “don't believe it.”

“We need everybody in this last little piece of the fight to push to get us to the vaccine,” Kaffer said. “To everybody out there who is saying, `You guys are great, we're thankful,' well, thank you for that.

“For those of you who don't have a positive opinion about what we're trying to do, just don't go on social media and share it. Just keep your opinions to yourself for a while.”

Frustrated leaders at Hotel-dieu Grace Healthcare, Erie Shores Healthcare, Essex-windsor EMS and Windsor Regional Hospital joined the live Facebook chat.

It was billed as “an upfront, personal, and frank discussion” on impacts of the virus and sustainability of the local health-care system.

Hospital representatives said their facilities have been operating at overcapacity. EMS Chief Bruce Krauter said he doesn't have enough ambulances.

People need to accept the science and stop believing “what their friend says or what their Tiktok may say,” Krauter said.

“On some days in the last week, we've run out of ambulances to cover the entire county,” he said. “That is a very scary situation. We haven't had that in over two years.”

“Everybody has to stay home, do their part. Be part of our healthcare team and do your part, because that's what's going to save the health-care system in the long run.”

On Monday, Erie Shores HealthCare in Leamington opened a third COVID-19 unit.

CEO Kristin Kennedy said community spread is increasing because many people are not adhering to safety measures, and it's time they start.

“We need the help of the communities at this point,” she said. “We need them to protect their neighbours, their loved ones and their health-care workers.”

The representatives expressed disappointment at driving to work over the holidays and seeing driveways full of cars throughout Essex County, one of the hardest-hit regions in Ontario.

“Yes, we're all about to see probably the worst one or two weeks in this pandemic over the next little while,” said Dr. Wassim Saad, Windsor Regional Hospital's chief of staff.

Saad said the “turning of the tide” is here with the vaccine, but only if people actually get it.

“When you do get your call to get vaccinated, get the vaccine,” said Saad. “If you have questions or if you're hearing conflicting messages on social media, although I am not on social media, call me.

“Email me. I will explain the science behind the vaccine. So please get your vaccine because, trust me, that's the only way this pandemic is going to end.”

Kaffer said the “proliferation of anti-science messaging on social media” has been a major change from previous pandemic fights such as AIDS and SARS.

“That has contributed, I think, in many ways to what we're experiencing here in Windsor-essex,” she said. “In SARS, we got our information from the television and it was directed by folks, more or less, who were telling us the truth from a scientific basis.”