I have read and heard a lot about wait times at hospital emergency rooms lately and have something to say about that.
My wife and I were at the Sturgeon Community Hospital not too long ago for a legitimate emergency. While waiting to see the doctor, we overheard other patients explaining their so-called emergency to the nurse. I say let’s throw out a charge to see the emergency doctors and let them decide what is a legitimate emergency. We all will trust them with our health so why not with this?
Don’t get me wrong, I think free health care is a great thing and that Canada has one of the best, but people take advantage of it. If you have a cold, stay home. I understand there are other contributing factors that lead to long wait times, but we the public are part of the solution to resolve this problem. Next time you head out to the so-called emergency room, think about it — do you really need to see a doctor for your hang nail?
Mike Antoshko, St. Albert
