Concern: Timeliness of Medical Appointments
The following letter was submitted by Windsor resident Catherine Owen:
This is an issue that has bothered me for awhile. We all know about non urgent surgeries being delayed, but I have not heard about anyone complaining about not getting a surgery date. I have been waiting for 6 weeks to get a date for my surgery on the macula. My internet research suggests the longer it is unattended, the greater possibility of lasting vision loss. My ex-partner had a suspicious spot on his heart that was noticed by his family doctor in May of 2020. He died in July of 2020, and the Heart Institute called in September to schedule an appointment. He may have lived longer if he had had this problem investigated prior to his death. I do not know. I think the reason why appointment and surgery dates are not being given out right away is because without these dates it is difficult to demonstrate that care is not being given on a timely basis. I think medical appointments and surgeries should have dates assigned at least within a week of them being recommended.