1 Reader criticizes | hospital security Dear Editor: Re: the March 19 North Shore News article on persis- tent thefts from Lions Gare Hospital, I find this situation to be unacceptable considering that most public institutions have or are supposed to have a “reasonable degree” of security (security personnel, ote.) so that both patients and start can be sate im knowing the their possessions are effectively tree from theft. What is the point of having 1D cards with photographs if they are not preperly and adequately inspected. Scanning technology enables a computerized security system te know and record where any one hospital employ: ce is at most points in their shift. usiug “swipe” ED cards and other systems. The fact that there has been a series of thefts at LGH points to blatant managerial incompetence in tailing to institute effective security patrols and processes that fally identify staff and very effectively contrat any and all outside personnel contracted to perform tasks within the hospital. Many of these policies are common sense processes, initi- ating little or no cost. such as only doing maintenance repairs in unoccupied rooms, or at the very least, having a security guard escorting a hospital maintenance person (not an out side contractor) during the whoie period of the repair. Ali valuables (wallets, money, credit cards ete.) should be required to be signed in and locked up in the hospital sate. Had this very basic measure (taking only five minutes to perform) been in place at the time, this patient would probably still have had che $1,600 in her bank account. Patients should also trv to protect themselves better by arranging for only relatives or close friends to have kevs to the house and have ail valuables secured or locked away while the house is unoccupied. Better still, arrange for a relative or close friend to stay in the house while the patient is in hospical. At no time should any credit or debit card be used by anvone other than the patient for very obvious reasons. All outstanding purchases should be settled up atter the Patient has returned honic, either by cash or cheque. It seems that the North Van RCMP is also failing in its duty to ensure that such security systems and more effec- tive preventive measures are fully implemented at LGH to effectively eliminate most, if nor all, thefts, especially con- sidering the RCMP is within “spitting distance” of the hos- pital. Bob Tarplett North Vancouver north share news MAIL Box Ticke Dear Editor: After reading the March 12) North Shore News Mailbox, P was inspired to Share my own similar story, It includes a “stop in no sopping /police zone” ticket and te lett me with the same “extremely unpleasant f ing” experieneed by Cameron. The previous evening we had friends over who were haing drinks ond deciding where to go on Friday night. They decided to go clubbing in Gastown, and volunteered to pick them up if they felt unable to drive back ro the North Shore 1 awoke to the phone call to come and pick them up trom a popular pizza place on Water Street. Once in Gastown, FE pulled over to the side of the street, out of traffic and waited, I could hear their voices, However, because it was now after 2 am. the outside crawd was quite large and [ couldn't see them. Less than two minutes later a drunk stranger came up to my ear and informed me that a “cop” was writing mea ticket. Since [ hadn’t even turned off my engine, [took my foot off the brake intending to cir- cle the block. When T began to move, the police woman turned on her lights and | stopped immediately. Phis was now the first time I] put my car into park. She walked up to my car, and I asked her what the problem was. She told me in a very aguressive voice that I was “stopped in a police zone” and without asking to see my Remember when you thought you'd be friends forever? You laughed, cried and grew up together. Shared secrets and dreams, joy and pain. Marriages, moves and sometimes just the passastc of time brought change and today you ruiss them. We invite you to consider the warm and comferting environment of our residential retirement community. Courtyard Gardens 7081 Moffati Road . {at Granville Ave.} Richmond, B.C. V6Y 3w2 Diversicare Tel: (604) 273-1225 We understand the importance of making your own choices and setting your own pace and pattern in life. You'll find that understanding in everything we do and in everyone here to assist you. If you're contemplating taking the next step in a new life, call or come see us. We love making new friends. Fan ASSISTED LIVING RESIDENCES licens. or even questioning my sobriety J was slapped with a deket. What I don't understand is why didi’t I get an award of merit instead? Wasn't | the “sesponsible ¢ here? Getting up, driving dewn- town at ovo in the morning to pick up tour drunk friends so they wouldn't drive home! Instead | am penalized with a ridiculous ticker. [ never lett my vehicle, never turned off the engine or even put the car into Park. Short end of the story, my court date is set for May 7 to argue this ticket purely on principle. Susie Edwards North Vancouver being Dear Editor: Re: Shaun Conlin’s March 19 Signals. Yhe North Shore News must be really desperate to fill space by allowing Shaun Conlin to submic half a page of drivel. Not only does Conlin lack the talent) of brevity i responding to S. Cameron's letter regarding a parking tick- et, but he referred to Cameron as “bonehead” throughout his snivelling article. In keeping with that imma- ture reference, he proceeds to offer further proof of his lack of basic grammar and skill in the English language, with his reference to excrement. In closing, he totally looses (sic) it by going into a tirade, which only served to reveal his deep-rooted feelings of interi- Friday. March 26. orityy by attackinu: all those fortunate chough to reside int West Vancouver. Tt is obvious that Conlin is unaware thar othe | West Vancouver policg were accused, not that long ago, ef 7999 — North Shore News —- 9 off over ticketing issues being rather reluctant. in Aanding out tickets to VEPs. Cameron unrortunately did not fic inte thar aagust cate: gory. A. Phillips West Vancouver Column missing clarity Dear Editor: T don't profess to be an English scholar but 0 found the recent ramblings of Hana Mercer (Feminist fallacies hurt Felice maining) to be unintelli- gibie, F assume the News has 447 Bellewue: certain minimum standards for its colummists. fs it coo much to expect them to communi- cate in an understandabie manner? Gary K. McDonnell North Vancouver A eet Retirement’ Close Out Over the next 3 months we want to hear from you! Each week we will draw a specific satirical comment or statement that is North Shore related and run it in our weekly Wednesday ad. If your comment is chosen, you and a friend will enjoy a lunch on us for FREE. Stiinply phone, fax or drop off your comments. No purchase necessary. eg's. ‘If our menus were like the provincial budget, our Lamb Reast would say $9.95 on the menu, but when you paid for it we'd charge you 50 bucks.” “That silver finish on the Lions Gate Bridge isn't really paint. It’s duct tape.” “It really is a luxury to live in West Van. They even charge you twice as much for a parking ticket!” We're in such a good mood, that if you bring this ad to dinner, will give you $10 off your Dill. (Wor catia with other promos. Min 2 entrees.) RESTAURANT “We're Out There...” 1734 Marine Drive, West Vancouver phone: 922-2411 fax: 922-2406 © (PS. This is not a political campaign)