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Archiver > Scotch-Irish > 1998-03 > 0889022384


From: Derek< >
Subject: Re: A dose of medicine
Date: Wed, 04 Mar 1998 10:39:44 -0400


On Wed, 4 Mar 1998 13:03:20 +0000, you wrote:

>At 11:06 AM 3/3/98 EST, OmahaMom wrote:

>>Yes, the Canadian system is wonderful. That's why so many come to the US for
>>surgery if they can afford it. Would you like to wait for an "elective" hip
>>replacement? Or a gall bladder surgery? It's a hurry up and wait system.

Please. This is untrue. I am in Saint John NB an industrial city of 75,000
people half a country away from Ottawa, and if you need gall bladder removal,
you get it. Hip replacement ? A friend of mine , just had hip replacement..
I think what has been said is Americans have health care rationed on ability
to pay.....Canadians have health care rationed on need-to-access..

in other words, Canadians will find that longer lines await them, for cosmetic
surgery, than for a blown appendix....

It is our perception that Americans will find a nurse with a clipboard ,
standing by the stretcher you just rolled in on, saying "can I have your
health card number please ???"
>>Don't let anybody kid you. I have heard from Canadian friends that it is
>>definitely not without its problems, including giving service when major
>cares are needed.

I am sure none are spotless examples of efficiency and socialism
combined...but examine if you will....Norway.....where, on an American
documentary the other week, we follow the path of a Scottish gentleman (had to
say something Scotch-Irish) who married a Norwegian woman....came down with a
debilitating disease requiring constant to and fro to health centres for
treatment (remember, he's only been in Norway a few years) and
.....and.....the government bought him a car !!!!!!!! The story isn't over,
because of the physical manifestation of his disease, the car caused
significant discomfort...the government program wheeled it in, and out again
with a new, specially-adapted, multi-thousand kroner DRIVER'S SEAT installed
!!!

It's true. Morley Safer doesn't lie .

A society is measured (today and perhaps always) by the manner in which it
treats with it's most disadvantaged citizens.....(someone said that)

The time for rugged individualism and celebration of the freebooting "robber
barons" is past.
>>
>>karen
>>
>>
>It is my experience in a Canadian hospital that there is no waiting. If
>you have an emergency you walk in and are seen with in a couple of minutes.
> I have never gotten that speedy of treatment in the US. A minimul wait of
>two hours is the common and it is not unusual for it to be longer.

No .....you can wait two hours in a Canadian hospital...and in a Doctor's
office (except for specialists)....but NOT if you present, says with chest
pains and shortness of breath ........or .........bleeding in spurts.......The
triage system (just like MASH) is the serious guy gets the grease ! (OK OK
the most severely afflicted gets the most immediate treatment)
>
>In Ottowa there are about 8 hospitals. Ottawa is the size of Waco, TX and
>we have only 2. I have never heard of having to wait for anything. I
>don't believe your friend. But your friend is right, there are some
>problems with the Canadian system. Time in treatment is not one of them.

within reason ....but by and large the Canadian health care system has been
excellent...innovative and world class...The dangers in this country come
from ideas spilling over......If any of you recognize the "Reform" party, as a
reenactment of the Newt Gingrich/Jerry Fallwell neo-conservative (new agers
in suits)...then you're not far wrong from seeing how impacts on Canada such
as anti-gun-control lobbyists.....and "everyone-should-pay-as-they-go", can
seep into a country that is based on a totally different set of premises than
America......

And that, in short is the problem with short messages, they fail to address
the total theatre in which a single idea might NOT flourish.....

Canada has a system recognizing the importance of collective values, and
perhaps even elevating collective values (rights and entitlements) over those
of the individual....

to the American......this.....is anathema........So I guess suggested changes
if any, must be reviewed in that context.

Derek Chase

>
>Sandy
>Eili\dh an'Faoileann

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