After reading so much about the lack of health-care services here in Powell River, I’d love to share our very different experience.
Our story began at 4 am one morning, when my husband suffered a severe stroke. After dialing 911, it took only 10 minutes for six attendants to arrive, from both emergency and ambulance services. We were in the emergency room within 25 minutes.
Half an hour after our arrival, a neurologist from Vancouver examined my husband via FaceTime. Within two hours my husband had two CT scans and he was in a room with a view by lunchtime.
The occupational therapist and physiotherapist worked with him that same day and every day since. After a brief discussion about the equipment my husband would require once he returned home, the occupational therapist walked in with it, along with the completed documentation for the loan contract with the Red Cross. He also visited our home to determine if anything else would be needed.
The general practitioner, specialist and nurse practitioner came to see my husband every day with information and updates. At the first sign of early release, our nurse practitioner arranged for a handicapped parking sign. Did I mention the wonderful, attentive nurses?
This experience proved to us that health care in Powell River is truly first rate. With forward thinking, most of the challenges that occur can be overcome.
Difficulty getting a doctor? Our nurse practitioners are an excellent solution. Given the option, we would not switch to a doctor.
Not enough specialists? The solution is already in place: the hospital has the technology to reach any expert anywhere in the world, in any language, allowing them to examine a patient visually and communicate verbally. An iPhone is an instant solution, as it was in our case.
No speech therapists? There are multiple apps for iPads and iPhones catering to any type of speech impediment at no cost or minimal cost. Powell River Stroke Recovery Club can be another great help in that area.
What is needed is to educate more physicians and patients in the use of technology.
I would like to thank all of our outstanding caregivers and confirm how thankful and blessed we are to live here in beautiful Powell River.
Elke Sager is a longtime Powell River resident who feels positive about health-care options available in the city.
