Reader fed up with poor-performing South Bruce Grey Health Centre board

To the Editor:

Please accept this E-mail message as a contribution of my support for the local efforts advocating for the Drive CT scanner at the Kincardine hospital.

In all my 72 years, I have never felt as compelled and empowered to speak truth to power and say that while I understand the various sides of the debate, I do have some feedback from having watched the South Bruce Grey Health Centre board of directors, Kincardine council and the Kincardine Physicians Group presentations.

I offer, with respect, the following observations:
 

• It feels evident that the hospital board and its management team are responding to unanticipated public scrutiny around their change of approach from the preferred option of the Drive CT scanner to the Edge Plus CT scanner
• It feels that the hospital board and its management team are varying in their responses around why the preferred approach changed, depending on the audience of the day
• It feels as if the board has done a good job explaining its decision-making and redevelopment plans and soft on answering direct questions related to single- and double-tube technology and operating practices
• The board comes across polished in that it did everything possible to make the best decision, after a lengthy education session by the Siemens representatives – 1.5 hours to discuss a $3-million purchase
• It seems obvious that all of the active and practising doctors in town, minus Dr. Lisa Roth who declared a conflict, support the Drive
• It feels awkward that, at every turn, the hospital board is trying to cast doubt over the recommendation and opinion of 12 medical professionals – with combined experience of more than 170 years!
• It is unfortunate that we have experienced some insight into how the Kincardine doctors group has been feeling for many, many years. It doesn’t take a genius to recall the bully-Davies days. Classic example of (former South Bruce Grey Health Centre president and CEO Paul) Davies is that we just need to look at the placement of the medical clinic. The medical clinic originally should have been built as part of the hospital, but again, the hospital board sticking by ‘its man,’ the CEO at the time (Paul Davies)
• It feels a bit awkward that the hospital board has met and reconsidered this matter twice with the same final decision – despite poking holes in the board’s story about why the Edge Plus is the better-suited option, when the majority of the medical experts are recommending the Drive for our long-term needs. Humiliating enough as it may be, the health centre’s chief radiologist, Dr. Douglas Mowbray, even recommended and endorsed the Drive a few times and is now supporting the Edge Plus from the other side of his mouth

 
What does not seem to make sense or add-up to me over the past month, watching these community meetings and council, are that:
 

• The current South Bruce Grey Health Centre president and CEO (Michael Barrett) said the Edge Plus gives a patient more radiation; then, a few weeks later, he said the dose is identical
• The health centre CEO said the quality from both machines is identical, when the hospital board’s own radiologist stated the function of the Drive would be higher-quality and better for a future investment
• The health centre CEO said less than 10 per cent of patients from Kincardine would have to go to Walkerton for a CT; and then said it’s more than 10 per cent
• The health centre CEO said the decision was made to get the newer Edge Plus technology to free up funding for other projects; then stated that the board’s decision was never about funding

 
I am never one to cast stones at others and I cannot help to feel that we have been sold-out by the hospital board members sticking by ‘their man.’ It feels as if this endless saga has played out for over a month and there is still community interest to have the hospital board members change their minds.

We are an educated community. Most work, or have worked, at the largest nuclear facility in the world, and many of us know a thing or two about radiation. From watching back through the recorded sessions, to make sure I wasn’t losing my mind, it feels as if the hospital board is going to do what it wants at all costs, and never really had any desire to understand what Kincardine wants.
 
I had high hopes for our local council. It seemed to be on a promising path, but those without a conflict at the last meeting seemed to be more apologetic and forgiving of the hospital board that blew them off.

Don’t get me wrong. I support council contributing to the Drive CT scanner, and I also had more of a personal expectation that council would try to get to the bottom of the matter. This has long been a problem with Kincardine council; it doesn’t want to get involved where it is most impactful.

Kincardine should take a look at the independence of the Hanover hospital. If it weren’t for the town council, it is my understanding that the hospital would not have a CT scanner.

Kincardine council members, be the leaders you are. Hold the hospital board accountable and don’t go limp. I agree with councillor Maureen Couture who suggested inviting the doctors back to respond to the hospital board’s assertions that made me feel the board was accusing the doctors of misleading everyone with ‘misinformation.’

I put my trust in my doctor and I believe the local physicians’ recommendations have merit, personally and professionally. Mr. Michael Barrett and the hospital board do not represent me or my opinion. This is downright embarrassing. The hospital board is having this public battle when many are supportive of the Drive CT scanner, and the community can support the Drive and any hospital redevelopment.
 
At any rate, I am fed up with the poor-performing hospital board. Speaking of board members, I was also under the impression that council wanted the board members at the council meeting to discuss how they voted and their thought process in all of this. Do we know if this vote was unanimous or was it a slim majority and not all board members agree with the approach? I know a few of the board members and if this is the case, their personal opinion DOES NOT match how it seems the board is moving.
 
I am thankful for the Kincardine and Community Health Care Foundation which has come forward to financially support either of the CT models. I feel it is beyond the expiration date that Kincardine stands up for itself and takes back the influence and power over OUR local hospital.

Sincerely,
Ruth J. Claeys
Kincardine