Editor:
Recently my husband was diagnosed with arthritis of his hip.
His X-rays showed that he needs a total hip replacement on his right side and will need one in the future on the left side.
We were referred to an orthopedic surgeon in Vernon. This doctor was very frank; he could do the surgery, no problem, but the wait time will be 12-14 months.
My husband’s condition is worsening by the week and by that time he could be in a wheelchair, not the active, working, contributing-to-society citizen he is today.
As I recall, we were told by the Liberal government that the wait times for surgery had decreased in the province. I have checked, and all through the Interior Health region from north, south and east to the Kootenays the wait times don’t change. The cancellations lists are very long also. Breaking your hip is the only way to get surgery done in a prompt manner, not recommended for anyone!
We thought of going through a private, pay clinic. It does not take total hip replacement patients as they need hospital care after surgery.
There is help available through one agency that refers you to the U.S. The cost is the price of a small compact car.
I am urging the minister of health and the premier to once again look at increasing the hospital beds and staff to look after the patients post operatively.
There are enough surgeons, just not the care available for those few days after surgery.
Sylvia Hlina
Williams Lake