Alberta health-care overlords ran like the wind Tuesday, formally reversing the policy that would have denied child cancer patients a simple juice box or popsicle. Read More
The sudden protest sparked blocked one of the most insensitive measures ever planned in the health system
The sudden protest sparked blocked one of the most insensitive measures ever planned in the health system
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Alberta health-care overlords ran like the wind Tuesday, formally reversing the policy that would have denied child cancer patients a simple juice box or popsicle.
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But, as usual, they fled making excuses and accusing others of “misinterpreting” the policy.
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All credit to parents such as Amanda Moppett-Beatch. She raised the alarm on Facebook after being told that her 11-year-old son, Easton, a brain cancer outpatient, would get no more comfort treats after his gruelling chemo procedures at the Alberta Children’s Hospital.
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“I’m just happy that my little post inspired people to act,” Moppett-Beatch says.
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“This is a big relief for all of us families who are there consistently. We’re really, really grateful.”
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Her gratitude is for those who raised hell, not so much for AHS.
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The sudden protest she sparked blocked one of the most insensitive measures ever planned in the health system.
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The policy always seemed like a bad April Fool’s joke. Almost all outpatients, including those with cancer and people stuck for days in hospital ER corridors, were to be denied both comfort treats and meals.
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Equally absurd is the brand-new claim that the policy was designed to prevent food waste, not deny food to outpatients.
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“The proposed policy was not meant to deprive patients of food,” acting AHS CEO Andre Tremblay said in a statement Tuesday.
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“What was meant to change is how food is stored and delivered to patients in an effort to reduce waste that is occurring in our hospitals.
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“We are concerned by the misinterpretation of this proposed policy and are looking into reports that food and drink may not have been available to patients.”
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May we ask — who is misinterpreting what?
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Food waste was never mentioned in a crucial AHS directive sent March 17. Depriving patients of food was the whole theme.
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“A reduced list of essential nourishment items will be provided to sites based on clinical need,” says this memo from a senior operations official.
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That means less food, no matter how you twist it.
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The memo continues: “PFS (the patient food service) will no longer supply food to non-inpatient areas, such as Diagnostic Imaging, endoscopy, IV Clinics, etc.”
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Some areas where food is required for testing, and day surgery, were exempted.
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But the policy was clearly meant to include other areas where outpatients are treated, including the cancer clinic at the Alberta Children’s Hospital and every ER with patients stacked up in the hallways, waiting for admission.