Dear editor,
Re: Views council frustrated with St. Joseph's hospital.
My mother has been a resident of Eagleview since September and I am very happy with the care she is receiving.
In my experience, the staff at the Views are almost invariably friendly and helpful — even when they are extremely busy. I am grateful for their kindness and I appreciate their sincere efforts to give Mom the best personal care possible.
In my opinion, many of the demands of the Views Family Council (VFC) are unrealistic.
Staffing levels are not going to rise in an era of government restraint. Nurses and care aides responsible for multiple patients cannot possibly respond immediately to everyone who calls for help. Incontinence products are provided precisely to protect patients when staff are busy.
There is nothing "abusive" about peeing in a diaper. That's what they're for!
If the primary goal of the members of the VFC is to improve patient care, they could volunteer their time at the Views and help take some of the pressure off overworked staff. If they are not happy with the incontinence products supplied, they could purchase their own or make targeted, tax-deductible donations to the hospital.
If they don't know who their relatives' primary caregivers are, they could ask at one of the reception desks or check the staff lists on the white boards. Wasting precious staff time with this constant complaining is of no benefit to anyone.
Bill McLeod,
Comox