Thursday’s letters: Cutting snacks for patients misguided

Re. “No more Popsicles for kids with cancer under heartless new hospital policy,” Don Braid, April 1

So AHS has issued a memo to its staff confirming that “a reduced list of essential nourishment items will be provided to sites depending on clinical needs.” This has been interpreted to mean no more snacks for emergency-room patients enduring long waits; no more cookies in pediatric clinics; and no more Popsicles for kids enduring painful and debilitating cancer treatments.

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I suppose it’s about time we stopped coddling these freeloading children and save AHS some more much-needed cash. After all, why would hospitals, of all places, provide “essential nourishment items” to patients?

Seriously, this decision stinks on so many levels. If it represents a serious attempt to cut corners to free up money for other services, it is misguided and pathetic.  If it is a misinterpretation of a memo by on-the-ground staff, then it represents poor communication. Either way, it is difficult to believe that AHS somehow manages to find a way to sink even lower in the public’s eye. And our Health minister cannot hide behind the excuse that the information is “incorrect or being misinterpreted,” once again placing the blame on AHS. Let’s not forget, AHS’ CEO is her handpicked former deputy minister.

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Jon Rossall, Edmonton

How much for premier’s travel?

I totally can’t believe how disheartening the UCP are with their latest fiasco on cutting off little treats such as cookies or Popsicles to young children suffering from cancer treatment. Is this the way the government can save money so Premier Smith can sleep in a comfortable hotel bed on her constant travels to the U.S.?

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I feel so sorry that our premier is being made to suffer in such an inhumane way by taking one for the team. I’m sure Albertans would like to know how much your uncomfortable flights and hotel stays were to and from the U.S. I don’t think for one moment that she stayed in a Motel 6; please come clean on what your multiple trips cost us, in order for you to promote your own political ambitions on the backs of innocent children. Shame on you.

John L’Heureux, Edmonton

Where’s the moral compass?

To our illustrious premier, please stop spending our tax dollars wooing ultra-conservative media groups in the U.S. Instead, consider saving the money and giving it to children undergoing cancer treatments who need a snack or a Popsicle or for meals for people waiting sometimes for days for a hospital bed through no fault of their own. Develop a moral compass or some compassion.

Cecilia Baxter, Edmonton

Gas price hike offsets tax cut

So did anyone else not notice that as soon as the carbon tax was cancelled that the prices at the pump went up 15 cents? For no reason at all. Then, when the cancellation came into effect, the price went right back to where it was. Our premier claimed she was keeping an eye on the oil companies. What a joke.

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Sue Lambert, Edmonton

Holdup for surgeries a letdown

I have been on the waitlist since December 2023, for a total knee replacement. I was seen at the rapid access clinic in July 2024. I saw my surgeon who operates out of the Royal Alexandra Hospital orthopedic unit in September 2024, and have been on the list for day surgery since then. In February, I was given a pre-op teaching date of March 28, with the hope that I would have day surgery in April at the RAH. However, it seems my surgeon got zero dates to operate in April.

I am told these issues date back almost a year now to when AHS did not renew the contract for specialty (residents) care with the University of Alberta Medical School. The result being the orthopaedic unit at RAH has virtually ground to a halt.

I strongly object to the fact that this whole year, the private surgical groups have been operating at capacity all while being paid higher fees and rates than those paid to the hospitals for the same surgery. How is this a cost-saving to Alberta taxpayers? How is this increasing efficiency within our system?

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It is clear that the current government favours the private sector; it is also becoming clear that no cost-savings are being realized. Case in point: the Dynalife debacle and the current investigation into awarding of contracts to the Alberta Surgical Group. I am more than willing to wait my turn, however, when I am in a traffic jam that is literally not moving at all, I feel completely let down.

J. Black, Edmonton

Answers sought on Glenrose pool

I am a concerned parent and member of the community who recently reached out to inquire about the current status and future of the pool at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital. Expressing deep concern over its closure, I asked for clarity on whether plans are in place to repair or replace the pool, or if the project has been put on hold or cancelled.

Key questions raised include the nature of the pool’s issues, such as potential damage to its foundation, pipes, or other mechanical components, and whether any efforts are underway to address these problems. I also inquired about whether the provincial government has been made aware of the situation.

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I emphasized the importance of the pool for patients, especially for those like my daughter, who could greatly benefit from aquatic therapy. They expressed hope that this vital facility could be restored to support future rehabilitation needs.

Our larger community hopes to receive an update on the plans moving forward and hopes that the pool’s restoration remains a priority for the hospital and its stakeholders.

Richard Brandsma, Edmonton

What’s wrong with old parking meters?

Re. “City hall to introduce mobile-only parking payment process,” March 29

I can just picture my friends, 80-year-old farmers Marion and Bill, who might come from countryside to the theatre in Edmonton. First, they cannot park their car, until they create an online account. They might have no Internet on their cellphone to do that. I haven’t heard, in the last three years, the voices that Edmonton should welcome tourists. Excuse my Klatchian, as Terry Pratchett’s characters say, but it was great to visit St. Louis, Mo., the last year. We paid for the parking either by coins or by credit card there. What was wrong with the old coin meters in Edmonton?

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The online account also means that the third company will collect names, birth dates, home address, credit card numbers, and whereabouts of the parked cars at all times. Suppose that the company does not sell this information, but it may be hacked, like Ticketmaster the last year. Well, if the city population does not want to give up the privacy, it can enjoy Edmonton public transportation, walk, or bike.

Leanna Currant, Edmonton

Popsicle ban shows heartlessness

Here we go again. AHS and UCP are showing their true selves as being cold-hearted, reprehensible, miscreant and downright shameless. While Smith jets off to Florida on the taxpayers’ dollars, attending extremist right-wing talk shows, AHS is cutting back on post-cancer treatment refreshments for children.

They don’t have a bone of empathy, knowledge or common sense when it comes to dealing with health-care issues. Their deplorable actions only continue to show the heartlessness that Albertans have to deal with from the UCP/AHS.

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What is going to be cut next? Stretchers, casts for broken bones, blood transfusions? No stretchers for Tremblay, LaGrange, or Smith. The cold, hard floor will do just fine.

H.C. Kolthammer, Edmonton

Letters welcome

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