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Every hospital patient deserves to be treated with respect and dignity

Dear editor, It was with great concern that I read about a recent visitor to St. Joseph’s General Hospital’s Emergency Department.

Dear editor,

It was with great concern that I read the April 18 edition of the Comox Valley Record describing the experience of a recent visitor to St. Joseph’s General Hospital’s Emergency Department who overheard judgmental comments made by staff pertaining to another patient being cared for in the Emergency Department.

The behaviour described is very distressing and does not reflect the values of St. Joseph’s or the expectations of our staff. Although no formal complaint was made to the hospital, we are investigating the matter.

As a hospital that exists to serve all members of our community our role is not to judge, but to provide competent care and, above all, to provide that care in a discreet confidential and compassionate manner.

St. Joseph’s considers it a privilege to be of service to everyone who enters our doors and we are committed to treating everyone with respect and dignity.

Jane Murphy,

Comox Valley

Editor's note: Jane Murphy is the president and CEO of St. Joseph's General Hospital in Comox.