Reflections of a meeting

with a representative from Labrador Grenfell Health Authority {LGH].

The person we met with was:

Carol Brice-Bennett
Director of Aboriginal Health Programs & Research
Labrador-Grenfell Health Authority.

Carol is doing follow up to the public meetings held last year and meetings held earlier than that in the region plus follow up to some written complaints to LGH and to interview staff within LGH.

First up it should be recognized that the logistics delivering health care to the region are huge as is the geographic area covered. Recruitment and retention of staff would not be an easy matter, nor are the logistics of travel within and without the region.

Added to the geographic area are the unique cultures that LGH operate within. Innu, Inuit, settler non native.

Having said that LGH have been at it a long time so should have some of the issues that patients complain about sorted out by now.

Carol pointed out that she is working on a report on the meetings held, plus some complaints, that will be presented to the LGH board to be acted upon.

To the issues:

One of the points that was a minor priority in my letter is the fact that there are always rumblings of patients being ‘bump’ off LGH schedule flights [schidevac] to make way for staff and their luggage, especially on the return leg.

LGH explanation:

Free travel is one of the perks offered staff in recruitment and retention.

I have no problem with offering perks, matter of fact this province most likely offers the least of the perks compared to other northern regions, at least in the nether regions of the province.

The problem arises when a patient is expecting to board the schidevac then is called to the airline desk and told they can not board, then staff people front up and take their seats. Not subtle, it borders on a racist attitude and a two tier system.

Besides health care staff other staffs of LGH also have priority, i.e. child youth and family services and social services staff.

Then there are the luggage limitations. Patients have a one bag 30Lb limit. Not adequate for women who are going out for a month waiting to give berth as one example.

Staff have no limit on number and weight I am told.

These things add to the frustrations of the patients when all is said and done.

One of the main points in my letter: Patients being sent out to Goose Bay, St.John’s or other locals for appointments, usually specialists, and told they are not expected then return home untreated. Then usually the patients have to go out again at a latter date, hopefully to be treated this time.

Also in certain instances escorts have to travel with these patients, this adds to the frustrations of organizing escorts etc, a responsibility of the patient.

These instances happen quite frequently and for numbers of years. I can remember it happening to me 20 years ago with an appointment in St. Anthony. I was held over three or four days and came away with a real negative attitude towards the system of LGH.

LGH explanation:

Carol is addressing this in her report. From our conversation I think they have some work to do yet.

Related to the above issue; I have been trying to find out who foots the bill for all this travel, accommodations of patients, escorts when needed etc much of it needless. It was not as hard as pulling hens teeth but almost.

Here is what I have to date; If a non native person [me as an example] is referred out I pay $40.00 {MCP picks up the remainder] for the flight on the schedivac and all my accommodation, cabs and meal expenses are my responsibility. None of this is covered under private insurance.

I am not sure what the situation is if I have to travel beyond Goose Bay.

If a native person [NG beneficiaries] is referred out the non insured health benefits [federal program] picks up all expenses both for the patient and any escorts. Of course you are treated like some third world refugee at times but when you are not paying the bill that unfortunately is the attitude of some people.

Any travel beyond Goose Bay is also covered by the non insured health benefits for the patient and any escorts.

So the gist of my complaint is; these non appointment appointments must be costing quite a lot of money, needles money down the drain that is quite clearly in short supply within LGH.

I suggested an audit of the systems administering these programs. There is an overlap of Systems and services and partnerships, LGH and NG.

NG through non insured health benefits foots the bills and LGH supplies the service.

I am not positive if non insured health benefits take the place of MCP for all medical care and drugs for natives, have to check that out.

A point I did lean from our conversation. LGH does not have any research staff, even though Carol is Director of Aboriginal Health Programs & Research.

Other health regions have quite substantial research departments.

Lack of researchers leads to lack of finding out how your services are being delivered.

The lack of a culturally specific reporting mechanism for patients with concerns is another big issue and is being addressed by Carol in her report.

I will get to that next post.