The CTV news program W5 recently aired “Silent Treatment” a story about the struggles encountered by two Newfoundland families trying to access medical information following the death of a family member. I believe many Canadian patients and their families can readily identify with this story.
Situations involving medical errors and access to medical information are occurring across the country and continue to raise important questions concerning transparency and accountability in the Canadian health care system. The good news is that Canadians are now taking a closer look at this subject. Whether or not they will be given access to the information needed to improve transparency and accountability in Canadian health care remains to be seen.