Dear Editor: Re: your recent article regarding the increased waiting lists at LGH. You may be interested in more facts. Every year the hos- pital closes elective operating rooms (OR) for summer, Christmas and spring breaks over and above the closures that occur on: statutory holi- days. This is in addition te com- plete elective OR closures one day per month, called corpo- rate days, which were started three years ago. The hospital instituted the closures to save money, By nv calculations, this fis- cal year there are the equivalent of 132 room closures on these breaks and 70 room closures on corporate days. At seven cases per roony (the figure used in your article) approximately 1,414 elective cases could addi- tionally have been done during these times to reduce the wait- ing lists cach vear. The list never would: have eseajated if these rors had been kept functioning. “he waiting list has increased: over the last three vears from about 1,200 to 3,200, well betore reduced activiry days were ere- ated. Does it make sense to have expensive facilities sit idle dur- ing normal daytime working hours, watch the lists increase, and then suddenly find money to open an additional suite to deal with the problem? As anaesthesiologists at L.GH, my colleagues and | are very frustrated by the fact that we are arbitrarily unemployed in this manner throughout the year and then are expected to hire another person to solve the problem later when an addi- tional OR is to open. This is on top of the fact that we now spend many more hours working in the evenings to deal with elective cases thar north shore news MAIL Box Health care issues in B.C. are in critical condition have waited so long they have become emergent. Untortunately the issue of 'a nursing shortage, which has caused unexpected closures, has not been addressed: mean- ingfully and few solutions can be found until it is. Until then North Shore res- idents will have to be patient, be admitted as emergencies. or get help fron: institutions and professionals south of the bor- der. R. Matthias MD West Vancouver renate_matthias@be.sympati- co.ca Dear Editor: On a recent Sunday, my son developed symptoms of a chronic appendicitis. | hurried him to the nearest medical clin- ic and after a quick examination by the physician was advised to rake him oto Lions Gate Hospital’s emergency ward. No surprise to me was the New Canada Savings Bonds Safe. Secure. And on sale now. large waiting list of people in need of medical assistance. We were promptly registered and were placed in a curtained area to wait for the doctor on duty. Tt was approximately 2:30) in the afternoon when all this began and when | started to watch the frenzy within. the immediate area, AH beds were occupied; there were many beds lined up against the wall along several of the corridors. Many of the patients had been there for sev- cral davs because the hospital was full, My son was very well attended to and the operation at midnight was a total success. Several days later he returned home, once again a healthy young man. Emergencies pass but the memories remain of nurses trying to cope with total overload. My point is obvious: thumbs down to the politi- Sunday, March 7, 1999 — North Shore News - 9 cians, bureaucrats and adminis- trators that abuse their hospital staff and participate in the gani- ing that permits such condi- tions to exist, Shame oon the system responsible for an elderly gen- tlheman, i} with pneumonia, Attention Chrysle lying on a bed in the hospital corridor, Enough fst ferries, wider highways, rapid transit. Lets get our priorities straight. A healthy population is a productive population. Gary Logan North Vancouver Dodge’. : Jeep’ & Plymouth Owners. From time to time, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep or ff Plymouth vehicles are recalled. Your vehicle may have an outstanding recall notice. It is very t that Mountview complete importan these outstanding recalls. If you own a !989- § 1998 Chrysier vehicle, please call 980-343! and § have your vehicle serial number ready. There is no cost for this service. Chryster’s discvant cea —} 980-3431 | BN Series 59 7 CANADA SAVINGS*BOND ‘\.. GANADA- PREMIUM BOND. 4.50% YR. 1 4.75% YR. 2 Series 8 5.25% YR. 3 Annual compound rate of 4.83% for C-bond if held for 3 years. NEW CANARA: SAVINGS BONDS {_ YOu'’RE ON SOLID GROUND. 1 Canad Series 59 and 8 are available until April 1 wherever you bank or invest. Care for some Coffee with my Cream? Arbuckles or Murchies Coffee and Tea. Service & convenience delivered to your door. > Competitively Priced ¢ There's NO Delivery Charge * Brand Name Products . a xé tS per: Mention this ad and receive a $25 credit after purchasing $60 on your Home Service account Start Today! aes Parents of Preschoolers One of the most difficult aspects of our jobs as parents is dealing with the “boss,” your preschooler. The little pre-logical person who defines your role and whose existence dictates the tasks of your days. There are many rewards, but a tough day with a toddler can shake your confidence and leave you feeling exhausted, guilty and alone. Why join a Parenting Group? Family Services has offered parenting groups to North Shore residents for over thirty years. Participants in our groups indicate the best part of the course was the knowledge that they were not alone. Everysne has experienced the same thing - parenting turned out to be a far more difficult job than they expected. And in today’s hectic society, where parents often do dual duty working in and outside of the home, Family Services parenting groups can help by providing you with the specific tools you need to be a more successful parent. Call 988-5281 (local 208) for information. ramily§ services of the North Shore 101 - 255 West Ist Street, North Vancouver 1410 Clyde Avenue, West Vancouver call 588-5281 or Fax 388.3961