Canada’s Universal Health Care: A System To Die For?

You don’t have to be a brain surgeon to know that a man who has undergone brain surgery needs to remain in hospital for more than two days. Especially if he is already considered to be a high-risk patient due to pre-existing conditions including blindness and heart problems.

The Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba tried to discharge Monty Vann two days after the surgery for removing his brain tumor. Vann, not feeling well enough to be released, fought to remain in hospital for another three days. Only five days after his brain surgery he finally agreed to the hospital’s wish to discharge him. While on his way home Vann suffered a stroke. He is now in hospital where he remains unresponsive.

I am sorry to hear about yet another case in which there will likely be no accountability for the events. I’ve talked about the search for accountability in our health care system in a previous post. Vann’s case is not unique but rather commonplace in our Canadian health care system. Things will only begin to change when the patient voice is heard.

Are you ready to have your say?

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