November 15, 2013

Dear Sir,

I write with concern of the planned closure of the Foggo Urgent Care Centre in St. David’s.

Healthcare is becoming out of the reach of many who are struggling to make ends meet in these trying economic times. Costs seem to be soaring, availability of Healthcare is becoming less available, as places like The Urgent Care Centre are having to close.

What really makes me sick, is the political points trying to be gained, by those responsible for the demise that healthcare is in today. Under the previous govt, heathcare costs were unfair and shot up, way above the cost of inflation. Some seniorswere paying more than the other, for the same benefits. Standard operation procedures, in some cases, doubled in cost, in just a few short years.

Now we have the area Opposition MPs along with the former Health Minister trying to deflect blame from themselves to the new OBA representatives. It was the former govt which put us in such economic peril, that we now cannot sustain the maintenance of The Urgent Care Centre, thus the decision to close it by The BHB. Making inflammatory remarks and playing on the emotions, of those who are most affected, does not help.

The former Health Minister blurts out that The Bermuda Hospitals Board executive can take a 20% pay cut for the centre to remain open.” I know what they make, I was the former Minister,” he said. When many questioned what former hospital administers Dr. Thomas and Mr. Hill made, there was a deafening silence. Is it only me that sees the hypocrisy? Is it not irresponsible to call for, or suggest, such a huge pay cut of real people’s money, without consultation and discussion as to how negatively it can affect them.

Many of us can see through the politics of this situation, and are not fooled by senseless rhetoric.

Good luck and best wishes to the current Minister of Health in her efforts of trying to help those who are mostly affected by the BHB’s decision to close the Urgent Care Clinic.

Hopefully a workable solution can be found, resulting in those needing help the most, getting it!

Changer