I posted this in WCW….
I am feeling a tad guilty about this. But I had to think about it.
I had brought your attention to the poor woman who lost her full term child at Burnaby General. Her name is Dawn. I am still hoping to connect with her.
I had contacted the MLA who is helping her and asked him to pass on my condolences. I had also told him a bit about what had happened to me. He asked first if he could speak to me via telephone and then meet with him in person. I did so on Friday. I can see why he won his riding. Raj Chouhan, MLA is one of the kindest men I have ever met. And a gentleman to boot.
He appears to be genuinely aghast at Ms Hicks and my own treatment at Burnaby General. Not that the hospital had anything to do with the death of my son. He was upset to hear about the ‘casual’ treatment from the nurses that I received…to the point that no nurse was present when my son was finally delivered.
He was not impressed with my various experiences with their ER and so on. Neither am I, but I feel that many have probably worse and far better stories than I.
Nor did I want my tale to make this all into a witch hunt focused on Burnaby alone. I think all the lower mainland hospitals are suffering.
Anyway.
He wanted to contact the media to hear my story. And I balked.
For a few reasons.
One being like I said…the hospital did not cause the death of my son.
Second…I don’t feel I have a ‘bad’ enough story to share.
Third….I don’t really feel comfortable with bringing my family into such a spotlight. I don’t need the fame.
and fourth…I began to worry about how this could jeopardize any future treatment for myself and my family.
However. I do think that women should be speaking out and sharing their experiences with the various hospitals across Canada.
I think that while the Liberal government pushes the ‘privatization’ of healthcare, we need to be demanding improvements in the PUBLIC care that we have. This can turn into better care for those that can afford it. Or better care for those that live in the right place.
Mr. Chouhan feels the same way. He feels that more stories need to come out regarding their experiences with pre and postnatal care.
So I turned down my chance to speak out, but I would ask that others out there don’t. Or at least share their stories and experiences through sites like this.
We need to speak out about how our healthcare is failing us. We need to fight to make it better.
We need to be heard when we KNOW something is wrong.
I understand your reticience. I’d feel the same way.
But you’re right. We do need to fight for better, instead of accepting it because it’s better than some places. I had a HORRIBLE EVIL nurse my first birth, and I never complained. I really should have, since lord knows what she’s done to someone else.
I’m so sorry for both you and this woman.
I support your decision for yourself and your family at this time. There are others able to do this right now, and you’ll likely be able to at some point in the future when it is right for you.
It’s a hard thing to do — putting yourself out there — and I can see how you might not be in the right place. Yet. Don’t give up on yourself as an activist. I see a role for you in the future after you’re able to get yourself patched up some. You are one tough broad.
I think what your are posting on your blog is extremely brave, and while I agree with the need to speak out, you really have to do what’s best for you personally. Taking care of you and your family is important and I hope you can absolve yourself of the guilt.