This is as low as a government can go to save money in the health system. Read More
It turns out that children with cancer are just the most vivid symbol of a wider policy that will also deny food and drink to people stuck on ER hallways
It turns out that children with cancer are just the most vivid symbol of a wider policy that will also deny food and drink to people stuck on ER hallways
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This is as low as a government can go to save money in the health system.
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Children in outpatient cancer care are no longer getting a popsicle, juice box, ginger ale or other treat after their gruelling procedures.
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Amanda Moppett-Beatch learned this last Friday at the Children’s Hospital, after her 11-year-old son, Easton, had his latest treatment for brain cancer.
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This boy and his family have endured a two-year agony of surgeries, treatments, brief remission, relapse and now more chemotherapy.
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That denial of a simple treat nearly broke Easton’s mom.
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“If I wasn’t so exhausted from all this I’d be infuriated,” she said in a Facebook post now widely circulated.
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“Instead, I’m sad.”
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In an interview Monday, Moppet-Beatch said: “I hear first-hand the kids screaming and crying, not wanting to get that needle poke, and then you’ll see them come out an hour later and they’ll have that popsicle — that colourful, sweet piece of joy.”
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Easton gets a lumbar puncture with chemo once a month. Afterward, he must drink something before an IV connector can be removed.
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Now, the system can’t spare ginger ale for a child who has been through medical hell.
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Health Minister Adriana LaGrange backpedalled Monday in the face of furious reaction from parents.
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She said that was not the intent of the new policy. Children will still get what they need. The information is “incorrect or being misrepresented.”
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But she is directly and confusingly contradicting an official memo from AHS, now headed by her former deputy minister, Andre Tremblay, who has the full powers of CEO and governing board.
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It turns out that children with cancer are just the most vivid symbol of a wider policy that will also deny food and drink to people stuck on ER hallways.
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The internal memo, sent March 17, is headed: “Changes to food supplies to Emergency Department and Non-inpatient areas.”
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“A reduced list of essential nourishment items will be provided to sites based on clinical needs.”
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In-patients will still get their meals. But many people who need full-time care and aren’t yet admitted (just check out your nearest ER corridor) are suddenly on starvation regime.
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The memo doesn’t mention children or cancer, but the policy has already been extended to outpatients such as young Easton.
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The memo says: “Most sites have vending machines or on-site retail food services, and staff can provide information on nearby food options.”
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Some staff are doing more than that. Nurses and others donate money to buy food and treats for patients with no family support.