Take a bow, Grey Nuns sta

All too many examples of deficiencies in the provision of health care services in Alberta have been provided, from excessive executive salaries and severances to inadequate senior care to care facilities in dire need of attention.

But based on my recent experience at the Grey Nuns Hospital, there is also much that is right. I’m not sure if my six- to seven-month wait was too long, too short or average, but that wait was compensated for many times over by the professional care and competency — from admission to surgery to discharge — demonstrated by the staff.

To name but a few, I thank Irene, Pamela, Bajinder, Bev, Tannis, Sheila, Lena, Amanda, Adam, Aaron and Dr. Ghassan Al-Hassani. Like many other health-care professionals, you symbolize much of what is right in our system.

May I suggest a new name for this hospital? “Grey Nuns — Great Care.”

Gordon Zawaski, Edmonton Albertans may be preparing for the worst, according to a new survey that shows debt levels dropping.

Albertans have reduced their consumer debts because of their fear of losing their jobs. Who wants to be unemployed for four to six months with a massive credit card debt hanging over their head?

Phillip Mulligan

The provincial government should follow.

Wayne Sharko A ban on herbicide use for anything but plants on Alberta’s noxious weed list wouldn’t be difficult for Edmonton to implement, say staff in a new report leading up to next week’s debate.

Selective use of herbicides is part of the issue — only doing the playing surface plus a metre or two allows the weeds to thrive on the perimeter and constantly re-establish themselves in the play area. A full broadcast over all turf areas would eliminate most of the weeds and likely eliminate the need for an additional broadcast application, possibly for a year or two. Spot treatments would likely still be needed to contain outbreaks. Let’s not kid ourselves — without irrigation and mowing every 48 hours, our playing fields will be overrun with dandelions in short order. We can’t afford either of those solutions.

Jack DeRoo

This crazy prejudice against dandelions has got to go. If fields are overrun, would this be the end of the world? We in Ottawa have been pesticide-free on our sports fields since the previous century, yet no one makes a fuss about this anymore.

Jean Cottam