A program worth preserving

RE: Remote Patient Monitoring Program

Almost a year ago I was diagnosed with heart failure, and understandably, as a 92 year old woman living alone, and after 9l years of excellent health, I was never so frightened in my life. Can’t believe how fortunate I was to be included in the Community Paramedic’s Remote Patient Monitoring program through the Ontario Ministry of Health and City of Hamilton and also connected with Queen’s University.

Apparently this is a one-year pilot project ending January 1, 2018. I am able to check my vitals daily and they are transmitted to my trusty paramedics on Nebo Road. They have come to my rescue several times in the past, resulting in several necessary trips to the E.R. and the eventual implant of a pacemaker.

The total number of days spent in hospital for my three or four trips was a two-day stay for the pacemaker and an approximate 10-hour stay the other times. This wonderful system brings comfort to the patients who long to be at home and saves literally thousands of dollars in avoiding lengthy hospital stays.

All I want for Christmas is to learn that this fantastic service is renewed for at least another year. Virginia Coombs, Stoney Creek