Lions Gate Hospital
therapists have a problem
— there are not enough
of them. This shortage
has led to a decline in
morale and in the quality
of care received by
patients.

in the next few pages,
News reporter Marlene
Starkman examines the
problem and the work of
the LGH therapists.

In the photo at the right
{more photos on C2 and
C3) Occupational
Therapist Marjorie
Morrison helps a 63-year-
old stroke victim learn to
be left handed after losing
the use of her right hand.
(Entc Eggerston photo)

Overworked LGH staff
struggling to cope

2

‘women © food ¢ travel

But quality of care declines

By MARLENE STARKMAN

A Canada-wide shortage of occupational and
physical therapists is affecting the quality of care
patients at Lions Gate Hospital are receiving.

Only the minimum
amount of care ts) being
given to patients using the
rehabihtavon unit because
“we don't have an adequate
number of staff to give the
opumum level of
Director Madge
told the News.

Dissatisfaction
morale among the staff are
increasing as they continuc
to overwork but sail can't

care”
Wiseman

and low

provide the best treatment

There are presently threc
occupational therapist
vacancies that the hospital
has been actively trying to
fill for almost a year

So the outpatent waiting
hist) grows More
attend = group
when they
from

people
treatments
might) benefit
individual = at
Someone
three

more
tention
reccive

will
hours of

therapy a week instead of
the recommended five
hours

And the longer someone
waits for treatment, the

longer they actually need
care

42 THERAPISTS

[hore are about 42
therapists servicing the three
departments which make up

the rehabilitation services
unit at the hospital
specch, physical and oc

cupational therapy
Physiotherapy 1s the

trcatment and prevention of

disease or injury by all

physical means including
using heat light.
mechanical, clectncal and
waler preventtan
Occupational therapy

involves the = traming 9 of
nerves. muscles and hmbs to
coordinate everyday ac
tividies It is the science ot
adapative responses

Physiotherapy. by far the
most used and well known to
the public, had 4,175 in
pabent and 4 603 oul pahent
visits during May attended
by 24 nurses The 16 on

CONTINUED ON PAGE ©2

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