10 - Sunday, January 11, 1998 — North Shore News seed « t ay epee north shore news MAL Box Ailing hospital needs rehabilitation Open letter to Lions Gate Hospital: As a former volunteer of over 15 years in the Lions Gate Hospital — and as a financial supporter of the foundation and of the hospital —- | am now in the unhappy position of my husband being one of your - patients. T have the following obser- vations and points: @ First and foremost, what have you done to my hospital? It would appear it has been downhill all the way since the days of John Borthwick, and to a greater degree during Bob Smith's reign. Then, Lions Gate Hospital was known to be one of the best in the Lower Mainland. We were ail proud to be associated with it in any way at all. Unfortunztely, that is no longer the case. @ You now have stressed out staff at all levels, unhappy doctors and very nervous patients, There are insuffi- cient RNs for any one of them to do the job they were trained to do, and want to do, and which in by-gone years were expected to do. There is | The North Vancouver and West Vancouver Museums & Archives present THE IDENTIFICATION & CARE SHOW little time for the patient any more. Somehow the dollar, not the patient, is now the criteria. W@ Housckeeping is a disgrace! Staff do what they can, but they are having to carry out numerous other duties. Something has to go, and it is usual- ly the cleanliness of the rooms and facilities. There is a limit to what one person can accomplish in the allotted time. B You have made it impossible for doctors or staff to maintain the stan- dards to which we were all accus- tomed. An unhappy hospital makes for not only unhappy patients and families, but extremely worried and concerned ones. @ How staff cope under the present system 1 do not know. Certainly on my husband’s floor, the RNs and LPNs do an incredible job under appalling circumstances. How much longer will it, or can it, go on? I worked in an extended care hos- pital both before, and during, the amalgamation and regionalization periods and saw, every day, the tur- Sunday, February 15th, 1998 moi! and contusion caused to our residents by all the unnecessary changes — 99% of which did nothing to improve the quality of life of our residents. I would like to suggest the fol- lowing: @ Read how Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto improved its standards. @ Dispose of the current CEO. She has absolutely no support or respect from anyone in Lions Gate Hospital, or from anyone else who knows the real story. @ Disband the existing board, and return to representatives elected from the communities served by the hospi- tal. @ It would appear communication skills are lacking at every level of administration. Perhaps it is now too late — the damage is done. @ Our present so-called health minis- ter is pathetic, as is our current CEO. Continued support of cither, or both, can only spell disaster for our hospital. @ Lynette Best should be re-instated. y FAMILY SERVICES of the NORTH SHORE This lady has the support and respect of all. I fully realize my husband's and my support of the foundation and hospital does net fall in the “corpo- rate” area, but we have been faithful. Aside from our financial support, I have volunteered and contributed in various ways in support of events as a volunteer. Unfortunately, unti! such time as the many wrongs [ have noted are corrected, my hospital is returned to people who care, and its previous well-earned reputation is restored, we cannot continue our financial or volunteer support. We trust you will retain good health, and will not have to experi- ence what is now Lions Gate Hospital. You are indeed fortunate to have such a terrific team of nurses at all levels. Without them, you have nothing. 1 wonder how much Jonger they can continue. Their stress levels rise daily, as J am sure do those of the doctors. Joan E. Humphries North Vancouver Outreach applauded § Dear Editor: I am writing in support of the Youth Outreach workers on the North Shore. I live in Lynn Valley and belonged to a community group _ that supported and encouraged the hiring of a second youth worker. Many new and exciting programs have been initiated over the past few years and are well attended. I was quite disturbed at reading that (North Van District Coun.) Ernie Crist feels that youth pro-. grams run through youth workers amount to nothing more than glori- fied baby-sitting and bribing of the - youth. Our youth are our future. Not all youth are attracted to the | same programs and so there must be a variety of resources available with- in each community. Darlene McIntosh North Vancouver ; Families Matter Watch for information about Family Services of the North Shore every Sunday. We'll keep you informed about events and Family Life Education courses. As well, we'll offer advice from professionals on ail aspects of family life. We welcome your comments. How Dol Communicate with my teenagers when all | do is yell at them to clean up their room and about coming home late? Is communicating with (Look for our list of courses on page 15) Oe er eee Couples’ Communication |. The rewards of a caring relationship can be lost in’ the frustration of © @ misur-c2rstanding. This is” |’. an interactive course- which offers practical skills to help " partners become active ather than re-active. easy «| 1:00 fo 4:00 pm West Vancouver Senior Centre, 695 - 21st Street, West Vancotzer * Worth Shore antique dealers and the professional staff cf the North Voncouver and West Vancouver Museums & Archives cdvising on your heirlooms ond treasures. What are they, where did they originate, and how best should vou care for them? $10.00 per paricpant, maximum of two pieces. Bring small items with you, or photograpts of forger items. Please register in advonce using the coupcn. (Preference will be given to pre-registered participants.) General odmission is $2.00 for visitors wishing to observe, For further information contoct the ‘Nest Voncouver Museum and Archives, 925-7295 or the North Voncouer Museum and Archives ot 987-5618. This community event is o fundraiser for the Nort fVancouver and West Vancouver Museums & Archives. Supported by he North Shore Antique deolers and the Antique & Collectibles Show 7) chinalfasonare Co furnitere Daher CJjenellery Cistrer Name Address Phone Cc, No. Description of tems 1) 0) Participation fee $10.00 per participant, maximum 2 pieces. Please mail coupon with cheque or c.c. number, to North Shore News Classified Department, Cl rugstextile one’s teenager as crucial as it is made out to be? tf you would like to know the answer to this question, plan to attend Get Out of My Life but first drive me and Cheryl to the Mall on February 26th. Family Services and Royal Bank are pleased to present the renowned parenting expert, Dr. Anthony Wolf. His easy practical and humorous approach to parenting will help you deal with the everyday effort it takes to survive the teenage years. rs ~~ The Essential Guide For Couples in Stepfamilies Stepfamily living brings benefits and challenges. Who's in charge? How long does it take to feel like family? How do I live with someone else’s kids? How do | know if 'm doing it right? Come out for a day of ideas, information, and friend- ly discussion on step- family living. #FS 61 Saturday February 21, 9-4 Call 988-5281 local 208 to register ant stre rotten family Jue on th agents in their relationship. For couples who have been together. at least one year, are committed to continuing their relationship, : and want to communication. HFS 57 Wed. 7:00-9:30 February 11-Mar 41 Call 988-5281 local 208 to register - PA : fed de “ee 0 eniich REC improve . aan To register for courses or for i - Call 988-5281 Fax 9 1139 Lonsdale Avenue, North Vancouver, B.C. V7M 2114 a . Es “TOL: 253 vests North Vancouver Registration deadline - February 6. Please register early! _ 414 Clyde Avenue, We {vancouver :