Letter to the Editor

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The TragiComedy which has been playing in South Bruce for a number of years is still playing full-blast.

What brings this to mind are the similarities between the creation of the South Bruce Grey Health Centre and the current attitudes of that board, especially against the people in this area served by the Kincardine hospital.

No one in Kincardine was aware of the hidden agenda of the other hospitals, operating under the guise as a committee to eliminate duplication in services and supplies. Nobody in his right mind would have ceded the total assets of our hospital, as happened. Nothing was gained for Kincardine – not even a full voice in the operations and management of the new corporation.

The original bylaws of the health centre enabled that body to have 21 voting members, none of which are chosen, by the right to do so, by our community. Not only are they not OUR chosen representatives but even the ones appointed to this responsibility (on our behalf?) are prohibited from discussing with anyone in this community matters which affect us - in major ways.

The original tragedy (the amalgamation) is that rules , regulations and customs affecting amalgamations or partnerships are, and continue to be ignored, without any visible objections from ANY of the chosen members of the board. Rural communities have always had to fight for their rights when province and larger municipalities ignore their needs - in favour of their own municipalities. 

No one I have talked to about this situation has ever complained that Walkerton is being favoured. They wish that ALL of the partners in this present arrangement will be treated equally - especially by having  a full voice in the decision-making. We do not feel that this is too much to ask.

The board has been provided with a document  which requires, in fairness, to be discussed fully and in detail. Many recommendations  must be looked at , honestly and frankly. We expected that the board would take this report seriously. The necessary dialogue scheduled without delay and arrange for full and sufficient time to focus on  the problems identified in it. 

We  expect to be, and should be treated, as full partners within this body—not as a minor player—the stakes are too important to let anyone prevent these full meetings from proceeding immediately for the benefit of all concerned. It must be kept in mind that health services are vital and must be  provided as economically as is reasonable, but not ruled by the pencil-pushers.  

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Monday, May 10, 2010